Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Atlas Shrugged

I prefer not to discuss politics in a public place, but gosh, this article is so good, I just have to share. Thoughts?

Anybody else here who has loved the works of Ayn Rand? Or am I alone here? When I read her books, it was the first time that I was able to articulate and clarify some of my own thoughts about how to live your life. So much of what she says resonates deeply.
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6 comments:

Bish Denham said...

Ah yes, I read Atlas Shrugged many many moons ago. Even though I was young I certainly understood what Rand was trying to warn "us" about. And I can appreciate her astute observations. But...I got extremely frustrated with the didactic lecturing, particularly at the end.

Vijaya said...

Yeah, Ayn Rand definitely wants to hit you over the head with her message in case you didn't get it, no? :) Still, it's amazing that she can SHOW her principles and ideas in a story.

Raymond's Brain said...

I follow your blog because I was a scientist turned educator now attempting to turn children's author.
I read another Rand book the Fountainhead long ago. On the one hand, the importance of integrity of one's vision relates to doing art, which I can appreciate. And I can see how an entrepreneur can be a creative individual. But I find the excessive emphasis on selfishness to be immature and simple-minded.

Vijaya said...

Raymond, thanks for visiting. I liked your doodling site very much. Made me laugh.

Rand isn't a subtle author, is she? And it's difficult to agree with some of her ideas. But because she was such a brilliant mind and taught me so much about how to live ethically at a time when I didn't want to believe in God, she will always have a soft corner in my heart. She has a slim volume called the Virtue of Selfishness that explains this very well.

Nandini said...

I read it when I was a teen. Never finished reading that speech that John Galt gave over the radio. Fell asleep every time, it was so darn boring. I think it cost me a spot in NID (National Institute of Design)everything had gone swimmingly (8 hour entrance exam, 3 day interview)then I said the last book I read was Atlas Shrugged and the teacher interviewing me just went all icy. Looking back I do think her ideology has serious limitations. Never understood her positions on slavery, colonization, and the family for example. OK, better stop blabbing and go write!

Vijaya said...

Thanks for sharing that story, Nandini. People seem to either love Rand's work or hate it. There seems to be no middle ground -- explains the frosty reception at your interview.

I have never taken any ideology completely to heart, but take the parts that make sense, that help me live a better life.