Atlas Shrugged Movie/Book

[quicksdraw]

I first read Atlas Shrugged about 30 years ago, after a Marx spewing, proletariat worshiping, philosophy prof went on a tear against it. I figured if she hated it that much it had to be good. The Fountainhead is also an excellent book, though the movie was a disappointment.

 

[homeless]

Don't forget the read Anthem. It is a view of the future Great Leader will build for us.

 

[kate1776]

I just finished it, thought it was fantastic and couldn't believe the parallels to today.
I'm currently reading the 5000 Year Leap and just received the "Real" George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin which also came highly recommended.

 

[CulpeperMM]

And on January 20th I had Equality 72521 tattooed on my left wrist.

I am seriously considering getting the oath tattooed on my back.

too cool

 

[Lakefield22]

It's a bit heavy handed at times, but it's a good summary of randism/objectivisim, people tend to either love it or hate it.

I think the key points from Atlas Shrugged and what the Randroids believe in Objectivism is miles apart. I once went to a Fairfield Society meeting where the guest lecturer was an Objectivism Guru from the Ayn Rand Society. At first I was very curious to hear him speak as Objectivism was at the time was all the rage on campus. Within 15 minutes of start the lecture he claimed to have disproved God, gravity, the Big Bang and shown way the Ten Commandments were bunk. Seriously, you can't make that up.

I really like a lot of the ideas that Ayn Rand wrote about, especially in her early years but I think the Objectivism movement has really shown us the virtue truelly is a point between two extremes.

 

[hornadylnl]

I read Francisco's speach to the idiots at James Taggarts wedding about money. It has probably been one of the most profound parts I've read so far. At first I thought that every American should read this book as it would wake them up to what is happening but the more I thought about it, I thought there wouldn't be any point. I've already understood what I've read in the book to be true long ago. Those who are diehard leftists will dismiss the book from the very beginning and say the whole premise is a lie. Those on the fence might get it but I'd say at least half of them would agree with the premise of the socialist mindset in the book.

 

[ian2000gsxr]

i have yet to read it but i really enjoyed anthem.

 

[hornadylnl]

Well, I finally finished the book. It was excellent. I can definitely see our country heading in that direction and I've said for some time that one day our producers in this country are going to quit. We need to go Galt in many aspects of our lives. The government wants $3 a pack in taxes on cigarettes, people should quit. They will never ban smoking because of the revenue stream. We need to hit them where it hurts. True, they will only raise taxes somewhere else, but we can boycott that as well.

They say in New York City, there is 8 million people and of the taxes collected in New York City, 50,000 of them are paying half of the taxes. I guess Bloomberg actually had a conservative moment and said if the taxes were raised any higher, these 50,000 might leave. I think this is where our power to revolt lies. Take away our means of productivity from the government. If I had a few mil, I'd go Galt in a heartbeat.

I do agree with the above poster that this book was way too long. It could have been cut down to 500 pages and not lost any of the meaning to it. But it is an excellent book.

 

[CulpeperMM]

i quit smoking on January 4th after 20 years. no smokes since. more because of baby due in May, but i am glad i won't be paying the taxes.

 

[cce1302]

yeah I read it in '05. ought to read it again. Full of solid principles.

 

[csaws]

There are about 8 different release dates for this book, are they all the same with a new cover or does it change from each edition?

 

[jsgolfman]

My only objection to Rand is her rejection of religion. Other than that, I love her books.

 

[Boilers]

I think it would make a great 4 or 5 season TV series. That way it could be less abridged.

While they are at it, it should be a kids cartoon, too, so that everyone can start learning at a young(er) age.

 

[Boilers]

I have about 19 hours to go on the Atlas Shrugged audiobook. (53 hours, 14 minutes, 45 seconds total).

Just put it on the iPod, and listen throughout the day.

 

[John Galt]

I have 3 copies, 2 are for loaners (both are out and being enjoyed by other "converts" right now!) and the other I keep for refresher. I have read it 3 times and enjoying reinforcing/re-learning different aspects each time I read it. The book literally changed my outlook on life and I feel I am a better person because of it. Rand, like so many others, understood the natural progression of tyranny and the fact that she was able to put it in such a great story is an incredible feat. And yes, I agree with previous posters on here, the parallels with today are incredible! Besides, notice my moniker!

 

[Boilers]

Fountainhead is my next venture. Later this week, it looks like.

[Indy folks, check my sig for library link to audio book]

 

[John Galt]

My moniker speaks of my beliefs.

 

[Vince49]

It was required reading when I was in High School 45 years ago! It was a thought provoking read then and her major points are even more valid today than they appeared to be at that time. Still have several copies in my library and reread from time to time.

 

[spasmo]

Merged the two threads that have been revived..

 

[mammynun]

I read "Atlas Shrugged" in 1980, and many time since. I found Ayn Rand through the band Rush, whose album "2112" is based off book "Anthem" (Rand is credited in the liner notes).

Still listen to Rush, and still read Rand.