"There is a level of cowardice lower than that of the conformist: the fashionable non-conformist"

Ayn Rand's quote speaks to the idea that there are two types of individuals who do not adjust to societal standards: the conformist and the fashionable non-conformist. The conformist is somebody who is as well afraid to defend their beliefs and rather follows the group. The stylish non-conformist, on the other hand, is someone who makes believe to be different in order to harmonize the group. They are not truly defending their ideas, yet instead are simply attempting to look trendy. Ayn Rand is stating that the trendy non-conformist is even more cowardly than the conformist because they are not in fact standing up for what they rely on. They are simply attempting to look various in order to suit. Ayn Rand is recommending that true courage comes from defending what you believe in, even if it means breaking the crowd.