Ayn (pronounced eye+n) Rand presents a lot of well thought out ideas regarding the weaknesses of society. Her ideology, although well-meaning, is thoroughly flawed. Her world exists in a vacuum where nothing happens that is outside of the control of man, and where a man creates his own soul. Despite that, I really like this book.

Personally, I consider Rand one of the most overrated writers in history. Everything, including this work that I've read of hers has been boring and almost mind numbing.

Right wing agendas disguised as fiction do not make one a great thinker and philosopher they just make one tedious.

I was very taken with Ayn Rand when I originally read her books. I still find her logic compelling, however, she never really understood that compassion can be part of enlightened self interest. Her characters are intentionally very hard edged and idealistic, I get that. The problem is, like all conservatives, she has no room in her view of life for people who are unable to care for themselves. I recently discussed this with a friend who believed that people should just all be responsible for themselves. If someone can care for them self, let them die. That is the message of Rand. The problem is, leaving these marginal people to die creates crime, a drain on our hospitals money (as they are currently paid) and many other social ills.

Why is it that supposed Christians think that Rand is so great? it is because most modern Christians have entirely forgotten about Christ and what he taught. I heard one man pushing a version of Christianity where Jesus was some sort of ass kicking biker who didn't care about the poor and weak and meek. He said that Jesus was really all about giving people hell and all this loving kindness crap was a giant load. He taught that Christians should be all about hate and contempt and violence.

Most of this kind of attitude comes from Rand and her ilk. Love your fellow man, but if he needs help, too bad. Praise the Lord.

I`ve just finished the reading. That two books is important for exectly the moment of my life expericnce. First, I realized I am not alone with my instinctive and philosophy credo. Second, Ayn Rand gives me the most clear understanding about surrounding I`ve ever had.

The most depressive information from the books is the most important to take it in mind in my future mapping. Things I counted as a rare personal circumstances now seems as a system characteristics. Reading the books I was wondering all the time about the accuracy of particular details, because I was in such situations by myself and I listened the same words and witnessed the same behaviour as it was described. It is a kind of good proof, both exciting and depressive.

So, what`s the next step? I prefer to take all I`ve read as a kind of warning, especially because it is so clear done.

Thanks my friends who pointed me to that books just in time.

That you can be an individual. Sometimes you have to stand alone against the masses. Be yourself, like who you are and you'll be a winner.

Dec 2024: finished The Fountainhead

This book took me 2 months to slog through. The story itself and setting was pretty good but the focus was Rand's philosophy. So many long winded passages are dedicated to explaining and promoting that. Which (grossly simplified) says essentially that the most moral way to exist is for your own self and pursuits and desires. And being altruistic/living for others is bad. I don't agree but it was masterfully written to make this point.

Anyway I remember reading this book in high school for AP English and liking it.... but I will never read it ever again.

Jurys out if I'll ever get to Atlas Shrugged..... It's twice as long so probably: no

2.5⭐ rounded down

If you have ever had a passion, something you would be willing to lay it on the line for- then you must read this book. Howard Roark is the most frustrating, independent, sexy character I have ever met.

2 of my favorite, all-time good reads.

I have read atlas shrugged many times and each time
Is better than the first. I am listening to the fountainhead now and it doesn't compare to atlas shrugged

Atlas Shrugged is one of my favorite books. The book has a pulse which kind of sweeps you up and drags you along. I've reread it probably 8 times and get the same sense of excitement at where the story is going every time. There are a few monologues that stretch on for 30 pages, but it's worth it to hear what she has to say.

The Fountainhead is probably one of the best books I have ever read, and never would have done so had it not been part of my book club many years ago. Although there are some disturbing scenes the book would not be complete without them. I am typically what I consider a light reader - I read alot but typically light subjects. This book is about as far from light as you can get and I LOVED IT!

She is an amazing author, make sure you have time to finish her books.