Book Reviews: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand is the story about the demise of (industrial) civilization due to the ineptitude of socialist leaning businesses and government officials who think that they can have it all while being fair and lamely attempting to providing for everyone else. Usually I am not a proponent of capitalism per se but within the confines of this novel it actually works and has allowed me to glean some important aspects of capitalism that I would not have previously entertained. In Ayn Rand's viewpoint there is nothing more important for society, nothing more important to the individual than production and reward with the underlying motive of monetary gain. Unfortunately for Mrs. Rand her ideals do not seem to work in the real, the concrete world in which we live. Much like Marx's The Communist Manifesto, it looks terrific on paper; in the world of the mind, yet sadly again we find that we cannot truly find those in power to be good, honorable and trust worthy individuals. In light of today's economic situations (and plight for many) Atlas Shrugged is worth reading as it forces the reader to examine and re-examine the world we live in. The novel begs a new understanding of those that are in control and have so much power and say about what we do and the importance and meaning of it. Atlas Shrugged is definitely worth the time it takes to read and has the ability to spark insightful and meaningful debated with those around you. Relatively easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable. Read it, get back to me. (Oh, and feel free to skip about 100 pages towards the end, she's already made her point and at this point is just tooting her own horn and looking for converts.)