Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

[IronDragon1]

First off I consider judging "Atlas Shrugged" (or "The Fountainhead", "Anthem", any other Ayn Rand work of fiction) as something which has to occur on two levels

The first is on its merits as a piece of fiction-and the judgement is that they suck. What can I say, cartoonishly robotic mouthpieces of objectivism for protagonists and horrible plots aren't really my thing.

In terms of the philosophy presented in the book (the straight presentation of which would make for a better book, IMHO) I certainly consider myself a fan of rational self-interest but the objectivism philosophy-at least as presented in Ayn Rand's writings-simply takes a to a level I am no comfortable basing my life on.

[SmileyEH]

It's a book, novel, literature if you will. ie; subjective. Get over yourself.

-SmileyEH

[IronDragon1]

[ QUOTE ]
It's a book, novel, literature if you will. ie; subjective. Get over yourself.

-SmileyEH

[/ QUOTE ]

Have you ever discussed your opinions with a committed objectivist?

[InchoateHand]

See, I think that was IronDragon's point. Its a breathless, pedantic screed. Its literally straight propaganda. Which would make it a) not a "book" in anything other than physical fact, b) not a novel (a very specific form), and c) only "literature" in the sense that every printed material could be so deemed.

[SmileyEH]

All I know is that I enjoyed both books as novels, and I know several other people that did as well (including my highschool english teacher who has masters in english).

-SmileyEH

[peachy]

its one of the few books i have read...it was many many many years ago though. My mom was reading it...so i read it...and i liked it ALOT...u should read it

[scott8]

Is it your position, therefore, that all philosophy is propoganda?

Rand took her philosophy and presented it in novel form.
Whether or not you agree with the particular philosophy, I found the approach refreshing.

-SC

[OrianasDaad]

Buy it. Read it. Decide if you like it. Check your premises. Take what you can from it. I have.

I consider it one of the most important books I've ever read. I also don't agree 100% with Ayn Rand.

[MyTurn2Raise]

read it...changed my life..I'd read it because it is a book that often changes people's life.

echo many of the previous thoughts

I consider myself an 'empathetic objectivist'

I like meritocracy and what it stands for, but understand the constraints that luck, upbringing, being in the right place at the right time, etc play in the world. Objectivists are just too hard core cruel at times. Using the right mix of Ayn Rand and the Dalai Lama has brought me personal happiness and balance.

I actually like "Zorba The Greek" as a better hero than Howard Roark.

FWIW, I often read the Fountainhead when waiting for a table at Hollywood Aurora.

[Dan Mezick]

I strongly suggest the Cliffnote as a companion, it will get you there (philosophically) much faster.