Ayn Rand was a Russian-American writer and philosopher, best known for her novels, including Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. Born on February 2, 1905, in St. Petersburg, Russia, she emigrated to the United States in 1926. Rand developed a philosophical system called Objectivism, which emphasizes individualism, reason, and capitalism. Her works often explore themes of personal freedom and the role of government in society. Rand's ideas have influenced various fields, including literature, politics, and economics, and she remains a controversial figure, celebrated by some for her advocacy of self-interest and criticized by others for her views on altruism.