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Ayn Rand's Cult Classic

ATLAS SHRUGGED

Either you love it or you loathe it, there is no other way with this masterpiece. If reading this classic is a tough task, living by it is even tougher.

Very few novels leave a lasting impression on a person's mind (and not his heart). It may be for the good, or it may be for the worse; but seldom have we come across a book, a fiction more particularly, which, apart from keeping us engaged throughout its narration, will transform the way we think.

Ayn Rand's
"Atlas Shrugged" is certainly one such cult classic.

Those of you, who would swear by Sheldon or Jackie Collins, would find it far too boring and meandering in the first 50 pages. No sleaze, no action, and therefore no fun.


Cross the first fifty pages, you will probably for the first time of your life, experience some sort of stimulation of your mind. This classic is all about economics, the truest social science.

It is all about being human, not the brittle nature, but the tremendous ability and mind power that can transform world and create a new one. It glorifies how any human should be "Good", not good to others, or good self. Just being good at everything. It highlights all that is really relevant for us in our day to day activities. That of being sincere, truthful and seeking perfection in whatever we do.

In short, it highlights the right way of life.

Insults on India notwithstanding (which I firmly believe would have decimated, if and only if, Rand had a more proper understanding of India and its history), this book is must read for all of us.

It embraces capitalism, and for those who understand what that means, Ayn Rand was Russian by birth. The characters of Hank Rearden, Francisco D'Anconio or John Galt will forever remain etched in our thought process. It will certainly tune our thinking to propel forward with a far more purpose, far more strength and a much better resolve.

Give it a shot. But beware, reading this piece is not that easy if you grew up admiring Hardy Boys or watching James Bond. It is a far more serious and sterner stuff. If reading is tough, living by it is even tougher.

Happy tough times ahead.


Comments

Anonymous said…
Its "ATLAS" shrugged or "ATLAST" shrugged....
Ketan said…
Sai,

Did you realize, at least to a reader like me, you almost sounded defensive of liking this book? I understand, it's next to impossible you could be 'defensive' about liking this book, but then that's how you sounded :)

To be honest, this book didn't change my view of life in any significant way because I'd already been viewing life like that!

Though, it did make a few concepts clearer. I realized my not wanting to enter fields I was most passionate about (say, psychiatry) was not really different from the 'strike' by the protagonists of the novel. Though, in my case, it's indeed a bit escapist. I don't want to prostitute what's closest to my heart to this world in order to 'earn' and 'survive'. That I can't help but cringe at the prospect of professionally 'being equal' to a vile person and someone I truly admire.

But then, there's one silly insecurity--I actually feel, I'm never going to like any other work of fiction as much as this. And, what would I read for the rest of forty years of my life (sic)? Any suggestions? I feel I should've left the best for the last.

TC.
G Saimukundhan said…
Ketan,

Funnily, I am yet to read any novel completely since the days of Atlas Shrugged, except Atlas Shrugged again. It is becoming increasingly difficult for me to even read fifty pages in a book.

Whether I was defensive, I am not sure, but I am very sure of one thing - I loved this book, more than anything else (though there were instances I was not able to accept what was being advocated therein). My choice of words is probably communicating a different picture.

Cheers
Ketan said…
Hey, I forgot to tell you about an eBook you could download for free because its copyright has expired--'the necessity of atheism'. I don't think it'll bring to your attention too many new logical ideas, but is definitely an interesting read, and will certainly improve your GK a bit. And you'll also like the meticulousness with which all the arguments had been presented. Would take around 6-8 hours to read.

You'll find the link in my blog's sidebar.

Hope you find time and enjoy it.

TC.
G Saimukundhan said…
Hopefully, someday! Will definitely give a try.

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