Atlas Shrugs - Today!

I know that I am not alone in my appreciation of the herculean effort by Ayn Rand - "Atlas Shrugged". After the results of the recent presidential election in the U.S., I know that many are also against the principles highlighted in the volume.

I read it first 25years ago, and realized that I had just read a book (perhaps- THE book) that perfectly separates its readers into those for or against individual responsibility, for or against socialism, for or against creating real value. Over the years it has grown in its power to delineate the hearts of its readers and make them very possessive of their feelings.

I have never met anyone who was ambivalent after reading it.

One quote I found on the web today--

"I don't know about others, but for me it's not so much hating Ayn Rand, as "hating" the people who invariably quote her.

Whenever some pompous talking-head gasbag on one of 20 interchangable cable news networks belches out her name, it's always the worst example of the most negative archetypes of her works - the James Taggart-esque businessman screaming about capitalism whenever someone has the temerity to say that maybe they should be lifting a little closer to their fair share, the Ellsworth Toohey inspiration attempting to use her statements on objectivity to explain away their uttering vicious lies in order to advance the interests of an influential few.

Over time, the words become attached to the disgust one feels towards those who claim to espouse her sentiments; a Pavlovian response, if you will."

While it may be a common view considering the current political climate, it tends to be the response of those who feel that they've done enough and the richer among us should share more.

Here is a comment from someone who has read "Atlas..." numerous times---

"This book is not intended for anyone who is looking for reassurance, comfort, or validation.

No matter who you are, this book will strike at the core of everything in you that is weak and frightened and falsely proud. It will not make you feel good about yourself, not at first.

But what it has the potential to do, if you let it, is to take those things about you which are valuable and worthy and show you their beauty.

It will empower you.

This book is not just "a story about some people...," it is a direct conversation between Ayn Rand and your being. Those of you who allow that conversation to take place on the deepest possible level will find yourselves changed for the better.

I did. Quit complaining about how long it is or how boring and repetitive you found it. You're not reading it right. For anyone who hasn't read it, and wants a dose of hard truth in a world that offers so little, this is as good as it gets."

My experience is identical to the later quote.

Have a great day.