Barbara Branden

Barbara Branden (born 1933, Winnipeg, Manitoba) is an author and lecturer. She is claimed by her current followers to have been influential in the early development of Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism through her friendship with Rand. However, no evidence exists to support the assertion that she contributed anything to the substance of Objectivism.

Related Topics:
1933 - Winnipeg - Manitoba - Ayn Rand - Objectivism

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Barbara met her husband, Nathaniel Branden, on account of their mutual interest in Rand's works. The two married, with Rand and her husband (Frank O'Connor) serving as the bridesmaid and best man, respectively. Barbara cowrote the book Who Is Ayn Rand? with Nathaniel in 1960. This was one of the earliest biographies of Rand, and it was influential in the formation of the Objectivist movement. Rand considered Branden to be one of the most important proponents of Objectivism, second only to Nathaniel.

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In 1954, Nathaniel and Rand began a romantic affair, to the dismay of Barbara. Despite her knowledge and nominal acceptance of the affair on "rational grounds", the affair eventually led to the couple's separation. In 1965 they formally divorced.

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According to Nathaniel and Barbara, Nathaniel expressed a desire in 1968 to end his relationship with Rand, prompting his expulsion from the Objectivist movement over what she termed, among other things, "intellectual dishonesty." Branden was briefly made Rand's heir (a status originally given to Nathaniel) but this was quickly revoked when Branden defended her ex-husband. For a time Branden too was exiled from the Objectivist movement, but she and Rand would eventually reconcile.

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Branden remained active in Objectivist circles and, in 1986, published her memoirs, 'The Passion of Ayn Rand', detailing her years with Rand and the Nathaniel Branden Institute. Her book portrayed Rand as a brilliant but temperamental woman.

Related Topics:
1986 - Nathaniel Branden Institute

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The details of the split between the Brandens and Ayn Rand, as well as the contents of her book, are disputed by James Valliant in his book.

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Branden currently lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and remains active in Objectivism.

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