Was the inspiration the book?

[LeoLeonard3]

Where did you get the idea for bioshock? The book or drinking? or reading the book while drinking?!

[thurauh1]

I think Ken Levine once said in an interview that Bioshock partly was inspired by Ayn Rand's thinking and writing. That's why a certian mr. Ryan says what he does in informercial during your trip in the bathysphere form the Lighthouse to Rapture.

Ayn Rand basically believes (at least that's how I've understand it) that all people are selfish and only do something for themselves, not for other people at all. Egostical motives are the basis for all humans do and as such allowing people to whatever they want should not be hindered by any state. If a scientist wants to do research into creating better humans then let him do so.
And so on and so forth.

I'm not sure if the developers drank during the development, though ;)