Book: Atlas Shrugged

[jrm53]

I ran across this book a couple of days ago, had always heard about it but had never had a copy. It was written by Ayn Rand in 1957, small print and 1084 pages, I am on page 432 and the book could have been written yesterday as the things in it are happening today. It is very close to the attitude in the U.S today and it is well worth reading. Jeff

 

[Rule3]

Finish reading it and then rent the movie. I read it in College. Kinda scary when you relate it to today. Almost a 1984 experience.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I read it thirty something years ago. But don't remember much of it.

Her writings and political beliefs are making a comeback.

 

[Mike1957]

It`s a classic that fits the world today even more than when it was 1st published. Look for some of Rand`s other books like "The Fountian Head".

 

[Tom K]

I read it a few years ago - complete rubbish.

 

[pilgrim6a]

I vaguely remember '84. Something about women and a thing called disco.
OHH the Horrors!!!!

 

[Sprefix]

Can you give just a little more of a synopsis for us (me) lazy people?? I love a good spoiler!! I only have time to read this forum......

 

[Forester]

I read it a few years ago - complete rubbish.

Parts of it are a trudge, to be sure, but if one can not see the corollaries between that book and modern day society and politics, they just are not paying attention.

I enjoyed the book so much, I bought a library edition of the CD's and donated it to my local library so others could listen to it as well.

 

[enfield]

Synopsis:

Galt quits, so do Reardon and Taggart, economy collapses.

 

[Bekeart]

Summary - Synopsis - Atlas Shrugged

Can you give just a little more of a synopsis for us (me) lazy people?? I love a good spoiler!! I only have time to read this forum......

Here is link to a quick read summary.

Bekeart

Atlas Shrugged - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[sjmjax]

Probably the single most influential book in my life. Truly changed the way I look and life, religion and politics.

Hard to read at times as she is "wordy'. Could have used a good editor. But once you get into the story and characters, it's hard to put down.

Except for the technology evolved, we really are living today in the social, moral, ethical & political collapse she describes.

 

[gregintenn]

The first 700-800 pages are a bit dull, but after that, it gets pretty good.
Seriously, it seems that Ayn Rand could see into the future with crystal clear vision.
1984 by George Orwell is another must read in my opinion.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I just reread it over thanksgiving.

Great book and as a railfan it was quite interesting.

So who is John Galt?

 

[handejector]

A good read. I can't remember what order I read her books in, starting in H.S. The Fountainhead is also a good read.

Rand is a middle class Russian Jew born early in the 20th century, so she was a child in WW I and a young adult in the following Russian Civil war and the turbulent times as the bolsheviks solidified their dominance. I would imagine she also knew much of prejudice from older family members who had lived under czarist rule.
Labeled 'bourgeois', her family lost virtually everything.
She left Russia in the 20's with a very dim view of communism and strong government in general. Her first book is a pretty good view from the personal level of the revolution and following time- We the Living.

Her books are definitely worth reading. It's very easy to identify with and cheer for her heros and love the principles she puts forth. Like many genius philosophers, she does have a bit of tunnel vision. I'm not sure she ever grasped the facts that we are not all geniuses, we are not all moral, we are not all ethical, and we will not all do the right thing even if we lived in Utopia. Mankind always proves that any group of more than a few hundred people will ALWAYS revert to jungle law- rule by the STRONGEST- no matter how well intentioned they start out. Just the nature of the beast. Fact is, some folks just need to be governed.

JMO.
Take it or leave it.
YMMV.

 

[jrm53]

My book is a reprint done in 1985 and in the center is a pull out post paid card for info from them about several subjects; Lecture course, bi-monthly mag devoted to "Objectivism" it almost looks like she might have been a conservative. Jeff

 

[kraigwy]

Can you give just a little more of a synopsis for us (me) lazy people?? I love a good spoiler!! I only have time to read this forum......

Google Ayn Ryan Quotes, you'll get a good idea of what the book is about, and her thoughts.

 

[sipowicz]

Atlas Shrugged? Eh....

Sorry, couldn't resist....