
Part of "Ayn Rand and Objectivism: An Introduction"; summarizes the key concepts of objectivist metaphysics
In metaphysics, Rand affirmed the primacy of existence—that existence is. We can ask of any particular thing why it exists, but we cannot coherently ask of existence why it exists. Existence (reality) requires no explanation, since it is prior to and independent of consciousness. Since existence requires no explanation, questions as to when it began, and by whom it was created, don't make sense. Since no explanation of existence is necessary, no questions can arise about it. Existence is simple, irreducible, and foundational.