Atlas Shrugged

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Summary: Genious
Review: Pure genious. No other words can describe how good this is. Buy this and read it if you are at all open minded.

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Summary: Atlas shrugged, so will you
Review: Almost 700 people have written reviews of Atlas Shrugged, and not one of them has actually defended the novel. Most of the five-star reviews are just streams of insults directed against anybody who dares the question the holiness of that almighty Goddess, Ayn Rand. A few more sophisticated readers have claimed that AS is a philosophical work, so it shouldn't be judged by the standards of literature. Actually, it is a failure both as a novel and as a work of philosophy. I will try to explain its failings in both areas.
Atlas Shrugged could serve as the definition of long and tedious. Not only is it packed with lengthy, boring speeches, but there are many characters who move through the exact same plot devices: they are exploited at the start of the novel, but then 'wake up' and realize the importance of individuality. Several of the superfluous plotlines involving minor characters could have easily been eliminated without harming the overall novel. Beyond that, the writing is high-school level, with a few big words like "sustenance" and "obligation" thrown in to give the illusion that the author is well educated. The dialogue is cheesy and unrealistic, while most of the plot events feel contrived. For example, when the Comet gets stuck at a red light for no reason, Dagny just happens to be in the right place to save the day. Now what are the chances of that?
Many posters have already pointed out that Rand's characters are entirely one-dimensional; they have as much depth as comic book heroes and villains. Rand fans arrogantly defend Atlas Shrugged by insisting that her heroes represent humanity not as it is, but rather as it should be. While the idea of a perfect human might be entertaining I fairy tales, it has no place in great literature. Meaningful books must deal with gritty reality, and feature characters with the same strengths and flaws as real humans. Even great literary villains such as MacBeth and Ahab are still well-rounded, realistic characters with understandable motivations.
But the real purpose of this train wreck (yuk yuk) of a novel is to pound home Rand's personal philosophy. In fact, she makes her point with a sledgehammer in almost every paragraph, and it's all done with a level of self-righteousness that would make Jerry Falwell blush. Rand's philosophy can be summarized quite easily. According to her, the world consists of two groups: a small band of hard-working geniuses who are responsible for everything that goes right in the world, and a majority of wicked, lazy hangers-on, who want to destroy the good people out of sheer evilmindedness. Not surprisingly, the few virtuous people happen to be the ones who follow Rand's political philosophy to the letter, while everyone else might just as well be shot. Several posters have remarked that Rand appeals exclusively to 18-year-olds and a handful of academic elitists. This is easy to understand when you consider the tendency of most young people to avoid responsibility while pinning blame on others. Atlas Shrugged appeals not to reason, but rather to short-term, stupefied emotional satisfaction. If you want proof of my characterization of Rand followers, simply read any of the five-star reviews that decorate this web page. Not only do they all employ remarkably shallow emotional arguments, but most of them are also rife with spelling and grammar errors.
Rand's simplistic views on economics and politics boil down to one statement: government is bad. Needless to say, if her principles were applied in the real world, disaster would result. Objectivists constantly remind us that Alan Greenspan is a fan of Ayn Rand. However, Greenspan's job consists of using the power of government to control the economy. If he spontaneously adopted Rand's brand of free-for-all capitalism, we'd all be in big trouble.
If you've realized by now that Rand's philosophy is a classic case of a victim complex, give yourself bonus points. Rand makes the bizarre claim that American businessmen are currently undergoing the worst persecution of any group in history. In Atlas Shrugged, evil bureaucrats devise wicked, restrictive laws for the sole purpose of spiting entrepreneurs. Needless to say, the objectivist thugs are unable to provide any real-life examples of such legislation. Our government allows the wealthy members of the business community to shelter their income from taxes and then gives them multi-million dollar handouts, paid for by the poor and middle class.

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Summary: Every Business Owner Should Read This!
Review: I read this book right after Fountainhead. Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand's novel on the virtues of Capitalism is brilliant! I found the novel a little rough through some of the plot, however, the author more than makes up for it in the end. Her reality based philosophy cuts through all of the nonsense and reveals the evils of the standard bearers of altruism.

Do you want to know why America is great and noble? I highly recommend you buy this novel!

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Summary: I Would Shrug, Too...
Review: No really, I would.

Since this is a mostly a novel (though such classifications can be at best marginal concerning this "stellar" work) I shall adopt the stance of Wilde: that morals and philosophy do not matter in relation to the writer's skill.

And it sure would be nice if Rand had some of that skill. The plot was simplistic, and you can tell she spent too much time in Russia because the book is one uninteresting mound of propaganda. I have come up with more character development in my wet dreams, and the whole world she painted had this sickening feeling of fakeness.

Rand's objectivism is an absurdity that results from capitalist philosophy. Her system might be applicable if everyone in society could be perfectly good and perfectly retched at the same time.

With all the absurdity and trash I was unable to finish the book (the place I ended was about in the middle of the final speech which would be best called "Requiem of a Brain"); with all of this trash I understand why one would stop the world from spinning because really... what's the point?

Rating:
Summary: Shockingly... disturbing.
Review: A striking irony concerning Ayn Rand's work is that it generally appeals more to the mindless and ignorant, rather than the free-thinkers she claims to champion. I suppose one reason for this is that her philosophy leaves no room for dissent or original thought - you either take it all or nothing. Even Rand herself has trouble overcoming her lack of ideas as she struggles (rather unsuccessfully) to fill out an original monologue for each of her heroes through the course of the books 1000 pages.

As for those willing to read Rand objectively, the most I can say for her is that she makes sense -- sometimes. Rand starts off simple enough ("A" is "A"), but soon thereafter cooks up such a furious mess of twisted logic that you'll either write it off immediately or become hooked. Don't worry though- like any fine narcotic, Rand's effect will wear off once you realize you've become miserable and peerless. Just don't overdose.

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Summary: Absolutely indespensable reading...
Review: "Atlas Shrugged" is one of the very few books of fiction that are indispensable to understanding the modern world. Although published in the 1950's, it has the unmistakable stamp of the Great Depression thruout.

The story, involving Dagny Taggert (railroad heiress), her childhood friend & lover Sebastian De Anconio (copper-mine heir), Dagny's business partner & lover Henry Reardon (industrialist) & the various movers & shakers of their fictional world, exists primarily to illustrate the tenets of Rand's philosophy Objectivism. This philosophy, while superficially attractive & logical, has thru the years proven it's basic unworkableness. Traces of it still linger however, especially in the financial platform of the Republican party.

The reader of "Atlas Shrugged" will often be surprised at Rand's ability to predict future events. The most remarkable of these is the persecution of Henry Reardon & the theft of Reardon Metal by the government. Can anyone say Bill Gates/Microsoft?

Unfortunately, by the criteria of a cohesive story-line & believable characters, "Atlaas Shrugged" is a failure. Most of the protagonists are caricatures, written to illustrate facets of an idea rather than well-rounded individuals. The most glaring failures of characterisation occur in the cases of James Taggert (Dagny's weak & nasty brother) who snivvles, whines & squirms without cease for over 600 pages, & the hero John Galt who is so brilliant, upstanding, square-jawed & generally Gary Cooperish that he becomes a relentless bore. He even gives a speech on national radio at one point that lasts over 50 pages in my edition! (Boring!!)

Yet with all it's faults, "Atlas Shrugged" is a must-read for any modern individual who wants to understand the "big picture" of politics. Whether or not you agree with Ms. Rand's Objectivism it is vital you understand it's basic tenets. And, for the first 2/3's of the book, "Atlas Shrugged" is a gripping read. No library is complete without it.

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Summary: Philosophy aside--this is a great story!
Review: Yes, this is a book for the social/political/intellectual minds of the world to contemplate and discuss. It gave me a new look at several of my ideals. I just hated for the story to end. The "larger-than-life" characters with the romantic twist were better than any I have seen in movies or read in books in years. I have been trying to figure out who would play John Galt if they ever make a movie.

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Summary: First BIG book I've ever read...
Review: The first really intelligent one, too. This is such a great book. I finished it in less than a week, I couldn't stop reading it! ;-) The only things I didn't like were her stereotypes of all Christians being socialists, and we aren't; and also the fact that she made it seem that, except for about thirty people, no one in the world has their own mind and will just curl up and die if the Big People leave or screw up.

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Summary: First Principles
Review: Miss Rand's lengthy, yet seductively intelligent, diatribe against liberalism/socialism is a tour de' force for those who embrace liberterian principles. Ultimately, the crux of her argument seems to be this: fiscal conservatives can live apart from disconsolate liberals; liberals, however, would be lost in a wilderness of despair and hunger without the beneficent presence of liberterians to show them the way to the 'promised land.' It is an interesting thesis, and has provoked much discussion, as evidenced by the tome's popular acclamation. I, myself, ponder the consequences of, say, dividing America into two distinct spheres: one embracing supply-side economics, the other totally immersing itself into the quicksand of socialistic policies. One need only compare the fates of the United States and the now defunct U.S.S.R to divine the answer.

My sole point of disputation with regard to her compelling thesis is her anathema to all things religious. Rand, through her characters, expresses her conviction that religion is basically for 'suckers', an oppressive tool for subduing the masses. Most Liberterians seem to espouse similar sentiments.

Yet, as an aspiring J.D. candidate here in Virginia, my studies have revealed that atomistic 'capitalism' did not emerge on its own, it was not conceived with 'malice aforethought.' No 'big bang' here, my friends! Capitalism/Individualism is an offshoot of Christian principles. The most palpable principle being that man is made in God's image, and therefore, as an individual, his life is not to be taken from him without some sort of due process owed to him by his government. The protection of lIberty and property as inalienable rights flow from this principle.

In Roman and Greek society, there was no concept of subjective, individual rights as we understand them in modern Western civilization-- a civilization steeped in Christian ideals. Atomism, per se, traces its roots back to Paul's doctrine of evangelical liberty. In the centuries to follow,as Europe became increasingly Christianized, Franciscans, Dominicans, and Calvinists would argue whether life, liberty, and property were inalienable gifts from God. Ultimately, they were all christened as such. (Dec. of Independence)

Ultimately, as evidenced above, liberterianism, as a political philosophy, has as its foundation, Christianity. Is it no small coincidence that subjective individual liberties have not emerged in China, India, and other non-Christian nations? So, let us not be too quick in dismissing the value of religion. As Russell Kirk eloquently stated, "culture begins with the cult."

With regard to the book itself, it is an interesting, thought-provoking read. I recommend it to your liberal friends.

Rating:
Summary: Will Change (or Perhaps Validate) Your View of Life
Review: Ayn Rand's words opened my eyes to many ideas for the first time. I was fascinated and found myself saying "Of course!" over and over again. Even if you don't 100% agree with her philosophy you will find amazingly true parts of it, and you will be riveted by this story, its intense and intriguing characters, and it WILL make you reconsider how you look at life and the world. It is a long read and you have to give yourself time to get into the first few chapters. So much of it rings true... what obligation do we have to everyone else on the planet? Every reader and citizen of the modern world needs to add this classic to their library. (I would recommend "Atlas Shrugged" over "The Fountainhead" which is also excellent but which has not aged as well... some outdated treatment of women specifically). I come back to this book over and over again, and finally invested in the 'deluxe' hardcover edition.