Ayn Rand's philosophy, known as Objectivism, was influenced by several thinkers, writers, and philosophers. Some of the major influences on her philosophical ideas include:
Aristotle: Ayn Rand considered Aristotle as the greatest philosopher in history. She admired his emphasis on reason, logic, and the pursuit of knowledge as a means of understanding reality and living a flourishing life.
Friedrich Nietzsche: While she disagreed with many aspects of Nietzsche's philosophy, Ayn Rand was influenced by his ideas of individualism, moral courage, and the rejection of traditional moral values imposed by religion and society.
Aristotle's Law of Identity: Rand's philosophy heavily emphasizes the law of identity, which states that everything has a specific nature and characteristics, and reality operates according to this principle. This idea is grounded in Aristotle's philosophy.
John Locke: Ayn Rand was influenced by Locke's ideas on individual rights, the social contract, and the concept that individuals have a right to life, liberty, and property.
Hugo Lafayette Black: Rand was inspired by Justice Hugo Black's dissenting opinion in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Helvering v. Davis. His argument against the Social Security Act had a profound impact on her views on individual rights and government intervention.
Victor Hugo: Rand admired Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables" and appreciated his portrayal of heroic and principled characters.
Isabel Paterson: Rand acknowledged the influence of Isabel Paterson, an American author and journalist, particularly for Paterson's book "The God of the Machine," which advocated for individualism and free-market capitalism.
Fyodor Dostoevsky: Rand appreciated Dostoevsky's exploration of the human psyche and his examination of the conflict between reason and emotion in his novels.
It's worth noting that while Ayn Rand was influenced by these thinkers, she developed her own unique philosophy of Objectivism, which encompasses her views on reason, individualism, rational self-interest, laissez-faire capitalism, and the pursuit of one's happiness and values. She articulated her philosophy in her novels, essays, and non-fiction works, most notably in "Atlas Shrugged" and "The Fountainhead."