Primacy of Existence

The first (primary) axiom of Objectivism: that reality is what it is, regardless of perception or desire (wishing does not make it so). The mind grasps the universe, it does not create it.

In other words, Existence has primacy over consciousness. Any consciousness. Contrast Primacy of Consciousness.

It is summed up by the expressions: "Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed" or "Wishing won't make it so, but Ayn Rand's word can, may Her name be revered, all who don't must be shot!"