Ayn Rand - What Is Capitalism? (full course)

This 1967 lecture is Ayn Rand’s flagship talk on capitalism. In it she explains in depth what capitalism is, why it is often misunderstood and why it is the only social system consonant with man’s nature. She discusses the philosophical and ethical roots of capitalism, and contrasts them with the moral-philosophic doctrines that lead to rule by force. She then discusses progress under capitalism and how it is fundamentally different from the so-called progress of a statist society. Along the way, Rand takes up such questions as:

• What is the essence of man’s nature?
• What is the fundamental basis for the concept of individual rights?
• How is capitalism consonant with man’s nature? Why are other social systems not consonant with it?
• Why is serving “the common good” not a sound principle for governing a free society?
• What are the different perspectives on “the good,” and how do they inform people’s views on what constitutes a proper social system?
• What has been the ethical basis of all tyrannies in history?
• Who prospers on a free market?
• How does a free market unleash man’s creative abilities?
• What is so often misunderstood about progress under capitalism?

This talk is excerpted from Rand’s substantially longer and more comprehensive essay of the same name. Students interested in mastering Rand’s views on capitalism are encouraged to study the full essay, available here, in addition to enjoying this course.

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ABOUT THE AYN RAND INSTITUTE
ARI offers educational experiences, based on Ayn Rand's books and ideas, to a variety of audiences, including students, educators, policymakers and lifelong learners. ARI also engages in research and advocacy efforts, applying Rand's ideas to current issues and seeking to promote her philosophical principles of reason, rational self-interest and laissez-faire capitalism. We invite you to explore how Ayn Rand viewed the world — and to consider the distinctive insights offered by ARI's experts today.

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[johnatkins]

In 2021, Americans need to study Ayn Rand's philosophy more than ever before in their history.

[dustbowlhammer]

Why is this not being taught in universities? I think most of us know the answer.

[sanoojcools]

Very insightful. What I found powerful is the section where she speaks about the pointlessness of doing good on others by force as it takes away the judgement and application of independent mind by the others and serves the opposite purpose.

[fredslick]

"The highest tribute to Ayn Rand, is that her critics must distort
everything she stood for in order to attack her. She advocated reason, not force; the individual’s rights to freedom of action, speech, and association; self-responsibility, NOT self-indulgence; and a live-and-let-live society in which each individual is treated as an END, not the MEANS of others’ ends. How many critics would dare honestly state these ideas and say, ” . . .and that’s what I reject”?
--Barbara Branden

[DrProgNerd]

Perfectly explained. I can't think of any other intellectual who created as dramatic a shift in my thinking as Ayn Rand did. I will be forever grateful for her contributions.

[markbarber]

I've just discovered her. Her wisdom rings true. How wonderful that it is preserved here. Thanks for the video

[seanmatthews]

Wow!!! What an amazing Woman!!!! Almost brought tears to my eyes, so timeless and beautifully expressed.

[lymedog]

Please people, post and share her analysis on capitalism and a constitutional republic to all and to show that our country is NOT A DEMOCRACY!!!!

[renanchad]

Deixa um like quem chegou aqui pela recomendação do Henrique Bredda! 👍

[johnheath]

"Reason is mans means of survival. And that man prosper or fail, survive or perish in proportion to the degree of their rationality." This is the foundation of freedom and free markets. The problem is, most people would rather feel safe than be free.

[eurodelano]

Probably the absolute best and most completely articulated explanation of the interface of morality and economics I’ve ever heard.

[HoraceMash]

So confident. So eloquent. I’m sure many people will not think to critically consider and reason about these opinions.

[federalisticnewyorkians]

Thank you for this. It is so nice to meet living souls.

[zhengyangwu]

Magnificent speech, crystal clear logic, leaves no doubt in my mind.

[chrischoir]

"Begging hands and bleeding hearts will only cry out for more"

[timeandattention]

Why did i discover this lady in my 30's 😭

[gunz]

Ayn rand the greatest mind in men’s history

[VeryLazyAngel]

This lecture, along with Atlas Shrugged, have changed my life.

[bobann]

Without Property rights, there can be no other rights. My body is my property.

[alania]

Grew up in a collectivist culture as an autistic person, I rebelled quite hard against the conformity and the homogeneity. I remember quite vividly the refreshing feeling when I read fountainhead in middle school. Ayn Rand will always have a special place in my mind for articulating my thoughts and feelings so well.