Re: Here we go again :)
jason varsoke (jjv@caesun.msd.ray.com)
Tue, 14 Sep 1999 10:08:06 -0400 (EDT)
>
> I don't mean to spark arguments on the list, but it seems to me that the
> majority of the people on this list love to pick on Rand.
>
> What's the big deal, huh? I personally liked Atlas Shrugged when I read it
> in 10th grade, not that it made me turn into an objectivist, nor did any of
> the other 3 Rand books I own and have read.
>
> Is it just her philosophy, or do you really feel that she is a bad writer? I
> think she writes pretty well considering English is a *secondary* language
> for her. Actually, I think she writes better than a good deal of people who
> have English as a primary language.
>
> Thoughts anyone?
>
> Mike
Personally, I found _Atlas Shrugged_ a real page turner, and I'm not being
sarcastic. I flew through the book and found it a really good read.
Finally a book with a solid female main character. Dagney Taggart would
beat the piss out of Madam Bovery. Actually, I think she'd beat the piss
out of most male protagonists, certainly all of Salinger's light-weights.
I don't mean this is a physical way, I'm speaking more strength of
character.
After reading it in 14th grade I was an objectivist for a bit. The
philosophy is Platonic and simple, but perhaps a little too simple. I
really like the aspect that says people have certain places in society,
certain jobs that fit them, and that they acheive these jobs (rather than
society telling them their job). I like the idea of everyone starting on
an even playing field and after that, what may be will be.
But good luck finding an even playing field in the US. The theory is
nice, but we're a long way from the practice.
-j