Ayn Rand: Atlas Shrugged
2024-02-04
The book is very long, with many descriptions of people’s thoughts, a lot of words, and voluminous chapters of reasoning. It is a dystopia that portrays socialism in its maxi manner and ultra-capitalism. Capitalism is presented as the key to solving all issues and problems in society. Understanding the author is possible; Ayn Rand created the book in a specific era. It’s worth reading once to grasp the described time and people’s expectations. It was interesting. Some moments are hyperbolized and idealized.
Who is John Galt? “I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine.”
One of the chapters of the book, “Listen, says John Galt!” can fully describe all the ideas embedded in the work (but it’s extremely difficult to read). I read it in Russian translation, and it’s possible that something was lost in translation. Most likely, the book is meant for a one-time reading; it’s challenging to read due to the abundance of reasoning. Undoubtedly, it is an epoch-making work, but it may not align with today’s reality.
Finished: 2023
Rating: 7