Independence versus collectivism is one of the most powerful and pervasive themes in Ayn Rand’s corpus. In this lecture, Andrew Bernstein will examine aspects of this theme in each of Rand’s novels. In We the Living , Kira Argounova and Leo Kovalensky pursue personal values in a nascent communist state intent on crushing individualism. In Anthem, Equality defies an entrenched collectivist dictatorship to live in accordance with his own judgment. In The Fountainhead, Howard Roark struggles heroically against conformity, non-conformity, and all forms of placing others above self. In Atlas Shrugged, John Galt initiates a strike of the thinkers against a society that would enslave them to the state. Bernstein will focus on the ideas and actions of these profoundly independent men and women, showing the immense power of Rand’s works to fuel our souls and transform our lives. (Note: This lecture presupposes familiarity with Rand’s works and will involve spoilers.)