Ayn Rand's controversial views and opinions on ethical egoism paved the way for the liberation and absolution of the conservative elite of the society's feeling of guilt or compassion towards those who are less fortunate in society - including those in the middle class, the working poor and minorities. Although Rand wrote his theory decades ago, his ethical egoism is still presented as gospel by some politicians and those in the upper echelons of society, creating gridlock in government and a deep division between classes. In order to understand Ayn Rand's theory of ethical egoism, we must first understand her background and the times in which she grew up. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, on February 2, 1905, Rand witnessed the Kerensky Revolution, which she supported, and the Bolshevik Revolution, which she denounced. She changed her name from Alissa Rosenbaum to Ayn ​​Rand in 1926 – around this time she also abandoned her Jewish religion and became an atheist. His family fled Russia to escape the violence and his father's business was confiscated. Facing near-starvation during these turbulent years, Rand's fascination with American history began. She attended the University of Petrograd where she studied philosophy and history; however, his college experience ended badly when the school was taken over by the communist government. She moved to the United States without ever intending to return to her native country ("Biography of Ayn Rand (1905-1982))". The basic principle of Rand's ethical egoism is that each person must look out for himself and himself alone. What Rand is really saying is that human beings don't really matter unless they can be used in some way to further our own interests. In other words, we have no obligation... middle of paper......on-Kutcher-and-Ayn-Rand-in-the-filibuster>.Hell, Amy. “And the Rand kept playing.” Mother Jones. Mother Jones, nd Web. March 10, 2014. .Siegelbaum, Lewis. “Pest Control Law”. Seventeen moments in Soviet history. No. Internet. March 10, 2014. Rand, Ayn. “Objectivist ethics”. Ayn Rand Institute. Ayn Rand Institute. Internet. March 10, 2014. Holland, Joshua. “Ayn Rand railed against government benefits, but grabbed Social Security and Medicare when she needed them.” Tea Party and far right. AlterNet, January 28, 2011. Web. March 20 2014. .