Uploaded June 2015 | Updated September 2026, 25 minutes ago

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" I have no faith at all. I only hold convictions."
- Ayn Rand on February 25, 1959, as told to Mike Wallace

Recording from Mike Wallace Collection @ Harry Ransom Center
The University of Texas at Austin

Get more from the full interview and learn more about Ayn Rand blankonblank.org/interviews/ayn-rand-love-marriage-religion-faith-business

Ayn Rand, author of the still resonating Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, sat down with Mike Wallace in a dark studio in 1959. The two had the kind of lively, smart, give and take, back and forth, philosophical conversation that certainly feels like it's from another era. Wallace smoked at times during the interview. The mood was still. The camera work direct.

What struck us about this golden interview was hearing Rand passionately and forcefully about her view on the essence of what drives much of life: love. To her it was like a business deal. Love was not about the other person, but the selfish pleasure it brings you.

Was Ayn Rand right about the true meaning of love and happiness?

More classic Ayn Rand:
"Aristotle... is the only philosopher that ever influenced me. I devised the rest of my philosophy myself."
"Man is entitled to his own happiness. And that he must achieve it himself.
"Man cannot demand that others give up their lives to make him happy."
"Nobody has ever given a reason why men should be their brother’s keepers."
"You don‘t love causes. You don’t love everybody indiscriminately. You love only those who deserve it."

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Executive Producer: David Gerlach
Animator: Patrick Smith
Audio Producer: Amy Drozdowska
Colorist: Diana Tantillo

Music You Heard
APM MUSIC
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@ 4:12 "Adagietto" by John Horler And Chris Laurence

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