Review - Ayn Rand - The Fountainhead

This is another book from Randy Gage's list. It is the third Ayn Rand book I have heard in the past few months.

Amazon says about the book :

On the surface, it is a story of one man, Howard Roark, and his struggles as an architect in the face of a successful rival, Peter Keating, and a newspaper columnist, Ellsworth Toohey. But the book addresses a number of universal themes: the strength of the individual, the tug between good and evil, the threat of fascism. The confrontation of those themes, along with the amazing stroke of Rand's writing, combine to give this book its enduring influence.

Luckily I heard much of it whilst I was driving to a friend's house. Being told a story is still one of life's great pleasures for me.

The audio recording is almost 30 hours long.

Like all of Ayn's fictional work. It asks questions of the listener or reader. Or am I just becoming more introspective these days?

I think this book is perfect if you have a vision, want or goal. The story follows Howard Roark. For me, he has a single goal, vision, that he holds onto with unshakeable faith and determination, despite all that is thrown or not as the case maybe in his direction.

If you have others telling you, NO, why, forget it. This may just be the story for you.

Happy Travels

A

Review - Ayn Rand - The Virtue of Selfishness

This is another book that was recommended to me by Randy Gage. This is for me the second book by Ayn that I've read.

It is a collection of essays and comments on the objectivism point of view, ethics and philosophy.

It was very much like reading an old 'reader' book from my days at university. It is written for people who are beginning to want to delve deeper into Objectivism. It is written very much I felt for an academic audience. The arguments for me are quite compelling for Objectivism.

She argues the pro and cons of both sides of the fence. Soon, we in the UK should be having a general election. The essay on Racism and collectivism is really good and thought provoking because because it goes beyond skin colour. I'm looking forward to my once in 4 year visit by my local politician. This could be great conversation to be had.

I'm glad I'd already read Atlas Shrugged, (review). Its central characters and their monologues are quoted quite often. This repetition is well worth it. I think you should read Atlas Shrugged first as it is an easy introduction to Ayn's thoughts and ideas, told in a story format.

I'm beginning to break free of the altruistic point of view that is so heavily portrayed in our society. I'm moving towards Ayn's view of Objectivism. This for me I believe is good. I'd love to see it in mainstream politics, yet currently the moochers (politicians) and victims (most of society) wouldn't let this happen because they believe that they are owed something by someone. This was clearly demonstrated in the recent US election and by one man who lost out. People would rather be provided for, than do something to create their own future.

Happy Travels

A

Review - Ayn Rand - Atlas Shrugged

I found out about this book via Randy Gage and his various blogs and products. He highly recommends this book. I've learnt if I hear something enough times it must be good. Eventually I'll go and get myself a copy. Since I'm traveling at the moment it was easiest for me to grab the audio version and place it on my mp3 player.

Bare in mind I know where Randy is coming from when he recommends things. It is to truly help you shift your mindset. I must be honest my mind set is and has shifted because of following Randy's advice.

The book itself is split into several parts. Although a single story runs throughout. I sat and heard the book in just over a week. I must be honest I was horrified. Not at the prose or plot.

Rand isn't subtle in her thinking. Yet, most people I think will or have missed many of the messages and ideas that are woven within this story. Her reasons and explanations are well laid out and argued.

I was horrified since I recognised so much of the story and about how men who strive for greatness are pegged back or halted by the masses because the masses think it is not right or just that such men and women should amass such fortunes.

There is great battle between the central characters and the thieves (politicians and less courageous men).

I heard without doubt one of the best explanations concerning 'the love of money' maxim. How wrong most of you are.. The book alone is worth just the 15 minute monologue. Again it demonstrates the power of a metaphor. If you have an idea, don't just explain it dryly. Use a story or stories for people best to understand your ideas and points of view.

You and your world will be shaken by reading this book, no matter where you are in life.


Happy Travels or as is often asked in the book Who is John Galt?

A

Link : Book Version
Link : Audio Version - Abridged
Link : Audio Version Unabridged version via Audible.com