Nikolai Chernyshevskii and Ayn Rand: Russian Nihilism Travels to America

The book explores how the core commitments of the 1860s nihilist movement made their way to 20th-century America through the thought of Ayn Rand. It argues that nihilism's intellectual trajectory was different from what is commonly believed and that its legacy is deeply implicated in one of America's most widely-read philosophers of capitalism and libertarian freedom.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Nikolai Chernyshevskii and Ayn Rand: Russian Nihilism Travels to America explores the fascinating journey of Russian nihilism from its origins in the 1860s to its impact on 20th-century America through the thought of Ayn Rand. While mid-nineteenth-century Russian nihilism is often regarded as part of a radical tradition that led to the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, the author contends that the intellectual trajectory of nihilism was quite distinct. Through a comprehensive analysis of key sources such as Nikolai Chernyshevskii's What is to Be Done? (1863) and Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged (1957), archival research in Rand's papers, and a deep exploration of late-nineteenth-century Russian intellectual history, the author arrives at a compelling conclusion: nihilism's legacy is intricately intertwined with one of America's most widely-read philosophers of capitalism and libertarian freedom.

Russian nihilism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the mid-nineteenth century, had a profound influence on the development of American thought. This influence can be traced back to the works of two influential Russian thinkers, Nikolai Chernyshevskii and Ayn Rand. Chernyshevskii, a prominent social critic and philosopher, is best known for his novel What is to Be Done? (1863), which criticized the existing social and political order in Russia and proposed a radical solution to the country's problems.

Rand, on the other hand, was a philosopher and novelist who is best known for her novel Atlas Shrugged (1957). Atlas Shrugged is a dystopian novel that portrays a society in which individualism and self-interest are highly valued, and the government is increasingly corrupt and oppressive. Rand's philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes the importance of reason, self-interest, and individual liberty, has had a significant impact on American politics and culture.

The influence of Russian nihilism on American thought can be seen in several ways. First, Chernyshevskii's criticism of the existing social and political order in Russia inspired many American reformers and social activists to seek a radical solution to the country's problems. For example, the American labor movement was heavily influenced by Chernyshevskii's ideas, and his novel was read and studied by many labor leaders and activists.

Second, Rand's philosophy of Objectivism has had a profound impact on American politics and culture. Objectivism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of individual liberty, self-interest, and reason. It has been adopted by many libertarians and conservatives in the United States, and has influenced the development of American political thought and policy.

Third, the themes of individualism and self-interest that are central to Rand's philosophy have been embraced by many Americans. The American culture is often characterized by a focus on individualism and self-reliance, and Rand's novels have contributed to this cultural narrative.

In conclusion, the influence of Russian nihilism on American thought is significant and multifaceted. Chernyshevskii's criticism of the existing social and political order in Russia inspired many American reformers and social activists to seek a radical solution to the country's problems. Rand's philosophy of Objectivism has had a profound impact on American politics and culture, emphasizing the importance of individual liberty, self-interest, and reason. The themes of individualism and self-interest that are central to Rand's philosophy have been embraced by many Americans, contributing to the cultural narrative of the United States.

Weight: 485g
Dimension: 228 x 161 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793634771