If you didn't immediately know what I was talking about from the title, you need to spend a little time here, and then a lot of time here. Keep in mind that this is a LONG book... 1200 pages. I've read my copy three times. It is an incredible book.
But, this isn't all about the book (or the rumored movie with Angelina Jolie in the role of Dagny Taggart). This is just to say that since I was 17 years old I have been in love with the character of Dagny Taggart...
ok, not really... I mean I have, but that is neither here nor there. ;^ )
In the world of Atlas Shrugged, society stagnates when independent productive achievers began to be socially demonized and even punished for their accomplishments, even though society had been far more healthy and prosperous by allowing, encouraging and rewarding self-reliance and individual achievement. Independence and personal happiness flourished to the extent that people were free, and achievement was rewarded to the extent that individual ownership of private property was strictly respected. The hero, John Galt, lives a life of laissez-faire capitalism as the only way to live consistent with his beliefs.
Without doubt, this is a book that polarizes people. There are liberals AND conservative that hate this book. There are liberals and conservatives that love this book.
But nobody says, "it was ok... not great, not bad."
And everyone should read it. It is a WHOLE lot more important than Us Magazine.
I just thought I would mention it...
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I'd love to hear from you...
I read Atlas Shrugged about 45 years ago while in college - I remember I loved the book but if you asked me today what it's about I haven't a clue! I really need to go get the book again and revisit it.
Geez....brings back memories when I devoured Ayn Rand's books. If I recall, they even made a movie of the Fountainhead with Patricia Neal and Gary Cooper. Are they really going to make Atlas Shrugged ---- seriously?
Those were the days when capitalism was revered....would today's socialist-leaning society appreciate it?
Thanks for the memories.
Lane, I first read Atlas Shrugged about 16 years ago and just re-read it this year (out loud) with my wife since she hadn't read it and I felt strongly that she needed to be exposed to Ayn Rand. Now we are in the midst of re-reading The Fountainhead.
You may be interested in reading these two blog posts of mine that mention Atlas Shrugged:
Realtors Shrugged?
Books Overflowing from My Shelves -- A Book MeMe
I read the book 20 years ago, and should re-read it...there are things I thought were fascinating and "must-read" about it, and some aspects I thought were awful, but it was a product of its time and of Rand's own background. My husband just finished reading it for the first time on Thursday, funny you should bring it up. Hmm...
Lane...ok everyone, I guess I have lived under a rock...'cuz never read and never heard of it! So, if I buy it (certainly a reasonably priced book!) when will I have time to read 1200 pages!!!! Scare Me!
But maybe it's time to read something that is NOT totally real estate related!!!
Lane - that is one book that I don't want made into a movie, to do it justice it would have to be about 6 hours long, for one thing. And, while I think Angelina Jolie is hot, she is not my image of Dagny Taggert. But then, I am not sure who would be today.
A great book, I loved it and should read it again. I think I will get it today since I have to pick up another book at the library.
I do know that it helped cement some of the ideas and positions that were forming in me at the time.
The best book I've ever read.
Mary - It is still a great work. You should pick it up and read it again.
Pacita - The movie is supposed to filmed next year. There are some that don't want it done because they feel it needs 6+ hours to be any good... and the company doesn't want to risk the $$$ for a trilogy.
Brian - I have read The Fountainhead a few times, but much prefer (Dagny Taggart) Atlas Shrugged... They are both great books, though. I do think that there are some incredible lessons in both.
Suzanne - I would say that the story is timeless. I don't know how one would update the place in time, but the message is at least as inmportant now as it was 50 years ago.
Thom - It is a book that angers some and is revered by others. Worth the read. I think that The Fountainhead might have more direct application to real estate... not because it is about an architect, but because it is about someone that creates a Unique Selling Proposition despite the attempts by others to beat him into submission.
Mike - If I had to guess, I would say that what comes out will be 2.5 to 3 hours. They said that parallel filming of a trilogy would cost $180M.
Tim - It is certainly on my list.
Lane - I just read Rand's book Anthem. Very interesting approach to extreme collectivism (think of Lucas's THX 1138 taken to extremes). A very short book and a quick read.
I love Brian's Book MeMe - what a great idea! Lane, I will buy this book, however as I buy books much faster than I can read them, it may be a while til I get to it. I think I bought about 12 books this week!
Mike - When I was in school, Anthem was required reading... but then people figured that it wasn't just communism "elsewhere" that she was writing against... it is now not allowed in many schools.
Lisa - It is worthy of the read. I will warn you though... the speeches are incredible, but a 70 page soliloquy can get a trifle tiring.
Speaking of speeches, I watched a few from the convention twice. Loved Fred Thompson's speech and, of course, Palin's was fantastic! Rudy was pretty funny in his - loved the way he put his hands up and laughed every time he said 'community organizer' :)
Will let you know when I read this book though it may take me a few months to get to it.
Lisa - I was actually looking through videos, thinking about posting one with this blog. The funny thing was that there was a speech by John Galt, and at the intro (as in the book), the folksy, yet evil, President Thompson was giving an address. They used a clip of Fred Thompson for the intro. Personally, I like Fred... but it was still funny.
I like Fred too. His speech on McCain's service was fantastic!
It sounds like an interesting read except for the 1200 pages part. You can flip through a magazine in 15 minutes. Not so with 1200 pages. I will wait for the movie to come out.
Ah, but I like a book I can sink my teeth into. 1200 pages sounds great. I often read books that are 700+ pages. 200 - 300 pages often seems barely enough - feels like you just start it and then its over. Like epics.
Based on the short description....I was surprised to see this book was written by Ayn Rand. Very relevant given the current political environment. Thanks for adding to my reading list...
Lisa - I think it is fair to say that Fred can deliver a speech...
Rob - You could get the Cliff Notes... of course, that would be like smelling an incredible meal as it passes you by for someone else to eat.
Lisa - That is enjoying the steak.
Bo - Incredibly relevant, and dated at the same time. But, I don't know how it could be moved out of the railroad age without losing something.
Edited out my last comment - I don't think that read very well!
Rob, I think what Lane is trying to say is that if you skip to the dessert then you will have missed all the joy of the main course. IF the book is available in Cliff Notes, you will never get the full flavor that you would with the whole meal.
Okay, thats better.
Lisa - I thought the first comment was better... But, yes, that is the point.