Rating: 
Summary: I Loved It
Review: Before I go into any details about AS, I wan't to let anyone who's reading my review know that I am by no means an authority on Rand's work, philosophy, or any philosophy, for that matter. This is actually the first philosophical book I've ever read... Well, on to the review, with the stuff I liked listed first. First, I thought that the entire book was an amazing work of fiction. Although I admit that the characters in the book, although for the most part pretty real, have some rather impossible characteristics, they are still some of the most memorable people I've ever read about. I don't think I'll ever forget people of the likes of Dagny, Galt, Rearden, or any of them, for that matter. Now, as to what I didn't like about the characters. I thought that it was a little odd that every character was so, well, extreme. For instance, every character, minus perhaps Eddie Willers, is either perfect(or maybe perfect, just confused), or absolutely, no-way-around-it evil. There's no one in that middle ground, which is so blatantly unrealistic that I'm surprised that Rand didn't catch it. Then again, I see this book as almost a Bible for Objectivism, and I personally think a lot of the characters in the real Bible are absolute crap too. As for the philosophy that the book advertises, I basically agree with it, although there are some parts I don't. I agree completely with what another reviewer said, about how the philosophy tends to breed people who, thinking their being like Dagny or Rearden, don't even deign to notice the opinions of others, unless there the same as their's. Obviously, you can't go through life thinking anyone who disagrees with you is a complete idiot. Although they might be, you could just be decieving yourself and disregarding the opinion of someone you really shouldn't. Besides this fact and a few others, her philosophy is very sound. I think her ideas about money are absolutely correct, and her thoughts on doing everything with your own happiness as your motive, although they sound distasteful, make complete sense. One other thing I loved about the book is simply that its sooo long. The copy I had was 1074 pages long, with print the size you'd normally see for subscripts. That meant a huge amount of my time was occupied with an engaging, thought provoking read, which is all I can ask for in a book. Well, that's basically all I have to say. The book was, overall, despite its flaws, an amazing read. Its one of those books that you not only can read several times, but probably should read several times, just to keep Rand's ideas fresh. I think that anyone who's interested in philosophy or money should be required to read this work.
Rating: 
Summary: Best Book I've Read in a Long Time
Review: I don't know if I liked this so much because it just seemed to throw concepts that I think about in a day to day basis, or if Ayn Rand's incredible characters come up with ingenious plans that remind me of the end of the Shawshank Redemption. Anyways, if you want a book thats got a great plot, and don't mind thinking about some philosophical views, go for it.
Rating:
Summary: To Each to their Own Abilities
Review: Rand is fabulous in this anthem of living each day to the fullest with only yourself to live and die for. Even the audio version is great. The development of characters and depth of speeches and thought truly make you think of how you live each day. In these times, the true test is to know when Atlas shall really shrug.... and who will fall from the heavens.
Rating: 
Summary: Rand's Social Darwinism - A collection of success stories
Review: Wow, Ayn Rand has finally solved all of our dilemmas, and, at the same time, has fooled millions into thinking they did it themselves. Atlas Shrugged has been geared to a certain audience, and has gained success in that audience. I keep reading how "thought-provoking" this novel is...yes, indeed, if "thought-provoking" means guiding readers, in a very partial and deceiving manner, to think that "reason" is what is written on its pages. there is no "justice" in her writing, at least true justice, because it is so partial. I felt like i was reading the transcripts to some political talk-show host - in a very bad guise of entertaining fiction. There is no reason in this writing, that is true reason. In one dialogue, where Hank Rearden is talking to his mother about his defunct brother, the language is so suggestive, it may lead readers to believe that the "reason" it represents actually exists. Where the mother (so out of voice for any "real" character) complains that Mr. Rearden has no concern for his brother's "spirituality" and only "cares about profits" by claiming that Mr. Rearden only cares about "justice." "Reason," at this point, escapes me. I felt like i was on jury duty again, listening to some lawyers underestimate my intelligence. This writing is a regurgitation of all of the imperialistic qualities of the great American Dream. THere is nothing new, nor profound. This book appeals to the American idealism. We are told by Ayn Rand's prophetic words that we all have the opportunity and the freedom to realize our brilliance adn should, and will, not be held back by anything or anybody, including our "looter[]" family we may have been so unfortunate to be born into. We, as brilliant people, can overcome this. This sounds very much like a "brilliant" religious philosophy, or a movement of free-thinkers? hummm. This book is intolerant, and, again, suggestive. It is very simple in its analysis of the truth that writers and philosophers all over the world have been looking for, for centuries. To keep reading, over and over, how Ayn Rand has "told me," ruins any reasonable explanation to why this book really is about thinking for yourself. But, if you like it, that's fine...just don't shove it down our throats.
Rating:
Summary: An inspiring proclamation of the power of the human spirit
Review: Wow! There's a considerably divisive element permeating the reviews for this book. People either think it's a laughably bad philosophy novel (which I can understand, to an extent) or an indelible story of the inevitable triumph of the human spirit through Ayn Rand's Objectivism philosophy. A lot of the reviews here seem to eschew examining the content of the book itself, and direct their comments towards the philosophy. I will not do this. I guess this is unavoidable, as the book faces the reader with several radical philosophical and political viewpoints that are bound to offend some people. But I'm going to do my best to keep my own ideas out of this. Whether or not I believe in Ayn Rand's philosophy is immaterial; I'm just hear to review the book under the parameters established for what it is - a novel.Atlas Shrugged takes place sometime in the future (the exact year is unimportant) where most of the world's nations have adopted socialist political standpoints, with America standing as the last capitalist-oriented nation. However, as the book progresses, even America's economy is threatened, because the leading innovators and industrialists are disappearing. In fact, they are going on strike...a slightly fantastic premise, but crucial for the author to express her outlook on the world. Even barring that fantastic element, the entire book is mostly unrealistic. Her characters are strictly black and white, either good (according to Rand's view) or evil (again, in Rand's view). Many people seem to regard this as one of the book's most consequential drawbacks. However, I actually see it as one of the book's greatest merits. Rand's characters aren't 'characters' in the traditional sense; rather, they are symbols representing the gamut of elements in Rand's philosophy. For example, as a person Richard Halley the composer is not important, but what he represents is very much so (and that would be the integrity of intellectual art). The characters are not open-minded, because Rand's philosophy could not be denigrated by characteristic ambiguities. The antagonists, whom are largely the socialists, are similarly intolerant and obstinate, because they have to represent the evil in the world, again, without any equivocal elements. Rand clearly delineates the "good" and "evil" because it is imperative for her ultimate message. Of course, some of the villains/socialists are represented very poorly - it's obvious that Ayn Rand held a very inimical view towards that perspective. A lot of them are whiny and absolutely incompetent. The others are better; they are represented as intelligent folks...but at the same time Rand conspicuously betrays the rationale behind their standpoint because it must be lucid as to who's right and who's wrong. At times, Rand's philosophical banter can be overbearing. For instance, the MASSIVE speech near the book's conclusion where Rand's "ideal man" launches what seems to be every conceivable facet of the author's philosophy contained a few extraneous matters that were unnecessary (did it have to be sixty pages?). But at the same time, the discussions contained in this book are incredibly insightful and forces one to look at things from an all new perspective. It's completely understandable why this book is regarded as one of the century's most influential works. Whether or not you agree with some of the things that are said on its pages, you can't help but think about it. I would argue that the best books in history have been the ones that change the way we look at life. The plot is suspenseful, and creates a sense of urgency that is usually associated with mystery novels or books heavy on violent physical confrontation. But core genus of this novel is the adjunctive philosophy. Now that I think about it (err, it's actually pretty obvious), this is really just a philosophy book with the pretension of being a novel. Either way, it's a good read, and it's one of those books that everyone needs to read at some point in their lives. Rand's idea of the ideal man is truly inspiring, and this book contains many of the most powerful passages I've ever read. You might love it, you might think it's the worst book ever written, but it WILL change you. I'm confident of that.
Rating:
Summary: Change of life
Review: Having been altruistic and naive for all my 41 years of life, Atlas Shrugged has changed my life and for the better. Experiencing ignorance and stupidity pushing the men of minds out of political offices and the school system in my hometown, Ann Rand has given me the reasons why it is happening. She does not give me an answer of what to do about it except to not agree with the stupidity. She has shown me the majority is not always right. How enlightening it is to hear that it's okay to make money and not give it to the moochers who refuse to work. On a daily basis I have moochers begging me for money and begging me to charge their purchases only to have them never pay me back. I used to feel guilty for not giving what they wanted and NOW I don't care! They can go work just like the rest of us. I do feel that Ayn Rand doesn't answer some questions that need to be answered in Atlas Shrugged but maybe I'll find them in her other publications.
Rating:
Summary: Impact
Review: This is the greatest book I have ever read. It completely changed my life. It has been the guiding principle in my life for the past five years, which I never expected. It makes everything clear.
Rating:
Summary: The state of society today
Review: This was the most interesting and truthful book I have ever read.This book literally changes the way some us think and view the current state of the United States and the world. There are so many parodies within the book and the current political conditions in the United States today, that I could hardly beleive it was written so long ago. Rand's book points out the immorality of people living off the efforts of others. When you read the book and start to look around, a person can definitly see that America is becoming a socialistic state. Think about Social Security, welfare, hud, medicare, and a whole slew of other governmental redistributive programs. Also take a serious look at how the current tax code punishes you for trying to get ahead in life.The type of people who support these types of programs also beleive that it is the responsibility of the productive and brightest people of this country to support them. They also beleive the that it is fair that 1% of this country pay 35% of the taxes. Meanwhile, they beleive it is moral for them to accept payments for being unproductive (welfare, etc.) This book is a must read for people that are tired of hearing people whine for their fair share when they do nothing to deserve it. I was never subjected ot Rand's works in all my business courses while in college.
Rating: 
Summary: Paranoid philosphy
Review: This book which is part of Ayn Rand's 'philosphy' obejctivism is another example of Orwellian literature capitalizing on Anti-communist fears. I've read two of her works (this and the short story Anthem) and found them both distasteful. Yes, individualism and free will are important, and people know it. But at the moment, I don't believe that the kind of world she depicts is going to come about (or the sort that Orwell espouses in 1984, which is very similar). But doesn't she believe that an individual has ANY responsibility towards society? What is society for? We might as well live in our individual caves and stay there, and human progress would be dust. Our greatest endeavours require teamwork, and cooperation, and sacrifice. If she expects us to worship the Ego, I would demur. When I think of civic virtue I don't think of mindless masses 'working for their brothers' without the spark of initiative. I think of decent and good citizens, who are willing to make a few sacrifices to better their society and thus themselves, who are a part of that society. There is a BALANCE. there is no need to be totally paranoid about it, only caution is needed. In BOTH directions, in fact. Don't mindlessly subscribe to Ayn Rand's Objectivism cult. Moderation in all things is good, no less in philosophy.
Rating:
Summary: Misguided reviews
Review: A lot of reviewers are telling you not to read this book because its themes are "obvious to anyone," and that the only point is that "government is bad." Niether of these points are true. The point of this book has nothing to do with government, but rather the people who run the government, as well as every man, woman, and child in this country. In a poorly phrased nutshell, this book explains why there are so many "stupid people" in the world and what you have to do to make sure you're not one of them. Yes, the book is long. It also has a plot that covers the events of months, if not years. Nevertheless it remains interesting throughout. Just imagine reading a thought provoking Tom Clancy without missles. I say the book is thought provoking not because it will necessarily give you new ideas to ponder, but will touch on topics and ideas you have been thinking about all yor life and bring them together into a nice coherent set of thoughts. Finally, if you're reading this, it means you're thinkging about reading the book and will probably end up reading it no matter what I or the others say. I just wrote this because I was upset at how the people who panned this novel can complain about reading the whole thing and still not understand how significant a book this is. Despite the huge scope of the book, its ideas are presented in a form that could be eaasily understood by most high school age kids and probably man junior high kids, so don't feel that this will be a boring and confusing work becasue it is not. It is also not childish literature, but suitable for readers of all age to enjoy. This book WILL positively affect your life, unless all you do is skim the back cover like all those poor saps who gave this less than five stars.
|
