Can someone explain to me the obsession the Right has with Atlas Shrugged? I hate that book*, it is, in my humble opinion, immature. That's probably the best word I could use to describe it. The whole concept, of the intellectuals "Going Galt" is almost insulting, since it depects aconcept of self interest that most intellectuals don't have (some are just that self centered, but most would realize that isolating themselves from society would do no good in the long run). And what is it that the Right is identifying with? They keep talking about how people will be "Going Galt", are they saying they are like the intellectuals? They hate intellectuals. Do they want intellectuals to leave? How will that help them? They will be creating a society based on industry with no chance of any progression. That's just dumb.
I really don't get this whole thing, so if anyone could explain it to me that would be great.
*I'm going to admit that my hatred of the book may be why I can't understand why anyone would like it so much.
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I despised that book. (a) Rand would have been very comfortable wearing a brown shirt, and (b) even at the age of 17, by far my most selfish age, that struck me as being unbelievably selfish.
ReplyDeleteAs for "intellectuals": I can't imagine. They slam the "liberal elite" one minute, and then imagine society would collapse if bank CEO's "went Galt". You know what, if only they had gone galt 5 years ago, this country would be in much better shape.
I think it's kind of funny, but I have yet to meet someone who actually liked that book. Not even as a teenager, and for goodness sake, I liked Heinlen as a teenager!
ReplyDeleteMaybe the Right is in love with the selfishness of the book. After all, they tend to be a selfish party, with the mentality of teenagers. Oh man, I am so going to send someone a copy of Stranger in a Strange Land.
I feel left out, I only have time to read blogs not books (blogs are funny)
ReplyDeleteThat and when I DO read a book, I don't put it down till I'm done, I end up losing a lot so sleep that way.
I think I have a self control problem :P