Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

[joraft]

Ya, me too. Never read the book but whenever I bring it up in "polite" company I do get a conversation (rant) started.

Tim, take the time to read it and the conversation (rant) should get even more interesting.  [smile]

 

[tiralie]

Ya, me too. Never read the book but whenever I bring it up in "polite" company I do get a conversation (rant) started.

Tim, take the time to read it and the conversation (rant) should get even more interesting.  [smile]

John:
Thanks for the encouragement, it's on my list. I think I have read more about the book and the author than there are pages in the book, and I am told it's a long read.
My wife would really rather I keep my libertarian attitudes and comments to myself. I am really fascinated by the reaction it illicits which is why I bring it up (bored)...I am just a s**t disturber I guess.
Tim

 

[joraft]

John:
Thanks for the encouragement, it's on my list. I think I have read more about the book and the author than there are pages in the book, and I am told it's a long read.
My wife would really rather I keep my libertarian attitudes and comments to myself. I am really fascinated by the reaction it illicits which is why I bring it up (bored)...I am just a s**t disturber I guess.

It's a long read, and must be read more than once.

People seem to either really like Ayn Rand, or really hate her. Either way, no one can deny that she's thought provoking.

The Fountainhead is also a good read.

 

[Gary Katz]

OH...and I agree about the Fountainhead! In fact, both main characters have the same initials and act/speak almost like clones; and the female protagonists are nearly identical, too. But the Fountainhead is about architecture, it's about creativity, individualism (all the same things that she writes about in Atlas Shrugged), but it's much shorter and more tightly focused. The later and longer book includes a lot more ranting, but it's good ranting. Don't let political groups today fool you though! I doubt if many of them have actually read the book! If they had, they wouldn't be adopting it as a political symbol. The book condemns groups, especially political ones that attempt to regulate our lives, and celebrates individual courage and creativity--something I wish we saw more of today.
Gary

 

[Sean7a]

OH...and I agree about the Fountainhead! In fact, both main characters have the same initials and act/speak almost like clones; and the female protagonists are nearly identical, too. But the Fountainhead is about architecture, it's about creativity, individualism (all the same things that she writes about in Atlas Shrugged), but it's much shorter and more tightly focused. The later and longer book includes a lot more ranting, but it's good ranting. Don't let political groups today fool you though! I doubt if many of them have actually read the book! If they had, they wouldn't be adopting it as a political symbol. The book condemns groups, especially political ones that attempt to regulate our lives, and celebrates individual courage and creativity--something I wish we saw more of today.
Gary

One of my favorite books along with 2001

 

[Rob Z]

Tim, it's the same situation here at my house!  ;D

My wife would really rather I keep my libertarian attitudes and comments to myself. Tim

 

[black flag]

As much as I liked the Fountainhead (an obvious tip of the cap to F.L. Wright), I found Atlas Shrugged a clumsy attempt for Ms. Rand to beat us over the head with her theory of Objectivism (or as she called it - the virtue of selfishness). She would be a modern day corporatist which, IMHO, has kind of sent this country into a tailspin (sending jobs overseas, outsourcing everything and destroying our manufacturing base to appease shareholders).

Fountainhead is the book of her's  to read.  It's the same story (essentially) but the characters are well rounded and the subject matter will appeal to most on this forum.

I also find it funny that the right has embraced her as they have.  She was a hardcore atheist and looked down upon those that followed any kind of religion.

 

[James Watriss]

If you read them both, the breakdown seems to be:

-Fountainhead is primarily about the creator/ moving force, or about the individual.

-Shrugged is about that creator's relationship with the rest of the world.

I liked both.

But I think she goes to extremes. If it really was all about the individuals, we'd all be a bunch of rabid narcissistic aggressors, bent on world conquest, or part of a doe-eyed herd of sheeple.

I'm no socialist, and I definitely have a 'smarter than you' streak sometimes.

Industry's important, but she makes no concessions for any kind of accountability to others. (For example, with regard to environmental concerns, or rampant corporate corruption à la Enron or Tyco) At 21, I didn't either. But I think there's more to life than living like I'm 21, with a black and white attitude towards everyone and anything, with no ability to admit or perceive when I was just causing problems.

 

[joraft]

I also find it funny that the right has embraced her as they have.  She was a hardcore atheist and looked down upon those that followed any kind of religion.

You may be using too small of a pigeonhole, I know many conservatives who are not particularly religious.

 

[zapdafish]

I saw the movie and thought it was pretty good.

I saw how thick the book was and decided to wait for part 2 to see who the John guy is.  [big grin]

 

[tiralie]

I saw the movie and thought it was pretty good.

I saw how thick the book was and decided to wait for part 2 to see who the John guy is.  [big grin]

LOL, funny.
Tim

 

[tiralie]

Tim, it's the same situation here at my house!   ;D

My wife would really rather I keep my libertarian attitudes and comments to myself. Tim

Good to know, I may need some support when I get in way over my head...
Tim