Chapter 18, "Counterfeit Individualism", Nathaniel Branden (1962) Summary and Analysis

In this chapter, Branden defines individualism, according to the philosophy constructed by Rand, in order to explain what individualism is not. The bulk of this essay is dedicated to the proper means of identifying what does not constitute an individual. He notes that individualism is a concept of ethics and politics and simultaneously a concept of ethics and psychology. In the realm of ethics and politics, individualism upholds the supremacy of individuals' rights. In the realm of ethics and psychology, individualism upholds the principle that humans should think and judge independently, valuing their own intellect above all else.

Basically, an individual lives for his own sake, making decisions using the reason of his own mind. An individual is not simply one who does not live for the collective. Branden states that...