Why is it sometimes difficult to express heartfelt sentiments to those we value? Some do so naturally, others repress true feelings or offer insincere praise driven by duty, not by values.

Throughout Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand gives us memorable examples of tenderness and admiration. Such visibility, expressed in subtle or eloquent words and actions, nourishes relationships and is an act of justice. In contrast, feeling invisible, misunderstood, by those who matter (a spouse, a child, a friend, an employer)—can be agonizing. Resentments escalate and good relationships deteriorate.

Using illustrative examples from Atlas Shrugged, role-plays and exercises, this course explores: why giving and receiving proper visibility is essential for your happiness; altruism’s devastating effect on visibility; self-visibility; egoistic premises and breaking the habit of humility; how to effectively express admiration to those you value; how to deal with phony visibility (e.g., flattery) or unjust invisibility; pseudo-visibility (e.g., “God understands me”).