February 02

Alexander Atabekian (1869–1933) was an Armenian physician who transformed into a prominent anarchist activist and publisher. After practicing medicine, he dedicated himself to spreading anarchist thought by founding presses and distributing literature across the Russian Empire. He translated works of Peter Kropotkin and other anarchist theorists into Armenian and Russian, shaping the movement's intellectual foundation. Despite persecution by both Tsarist and Soviet authorities, his publications fostered discourse on social revolution and individual freedom, leaving a lasting impact on early 20th-century anarchist circles.

Ayn Rand was born in 1905 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and emigrated to the United States in 1926. She rose to fame with her novels 'The Fountainhead' (1943) and 'Atlas Shrugged' (1957), which promoted individualism and laissez-faire capitalism. Rand developed the philosophical system of Objectivism, emphasizing reason, self-interest, and the pursuit of happiness. She lectured extensively, wrote non-fiction essays, and founded the Ayn Rand Institute to advocate her ideas. Rand’s work has had a lasting influence on literature, political thought, and libertarian movements. Her emphasis on rational self-interest continues to spark debate and inspire supporters worldwide.