A Personal Journey Through Atlas Shrugged: The Magic of Ayn Rand
Yes, I read Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. My journey with this novel began in 8th grade, and I revisited it 25 years later. This monumental work left an indelible mark on my young mind and still resonates with me today.
My Encounter with Atlas Shrugged in Youth
When I was in 8th grade, I tried to read Atlas Shrugged, and it struck me as flawless in the world I knew. However, as a grown man, reading it now, I found it pathetic and ridiculous. Yet, I cannot deny the profound impact it had on me, especially the arresting dialogue between characters. Although I prefer nonfiction, the power of this novel is undeniable.
Literary Appeal and Intellectual Influence
I started reading Atlas Shrugged when I was under 20, an age that is often marked by rebellion against authority. Rand’s ideas appealed to me and teenagers alike, as literature that challenges the status quo is often embraced by those in search of identity and individualism.
A Revisit After Years
Your question evoked a smile as it reminded me that I almost always finish the books I start, even forced myself to read “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy at a young age. However, one exception to this rule was Atlas Shrugged. I started reading it years ago, intrigued by the fact that it’s the second most popular book after the Bible. I managed to start the first two parts but dropped it somewhere in the middle.
A few years later, a film adaptation piqued my interest again. After watching the first two parts, I was amused to realize that the third part hadn’t been filmed yet. This led to a laughter-filled discovery. I still don’t know who John Galt is, which made me decide to read the book again. Last time, they say the third time’s a charm. I hope this journey provides me with a more nuanced perspective.
A Revisit and Reflection
I have read Atlas Shrugged several times, and each time, it has sparked new thoughts and feelings. On my first attempt, I was living in Indonesia and needed a substantial novel for a week-long vacation. I stumbled upon it in a library, intrigued by the notion of a conservative novelist.
After just ten pages, I was hooked. Atlas Shrugged wasn’t your typical novel; it was a blend of mystery, drama, and romance. Rand brought the railroad and steel industries to life, making them exciting and meaningful, which was quite the revelation. The real surprise? There was a sex scene, and that shook my perception of the novel.
I didn’t take Rand’s philosophy seriously back then, but I enjoyed the idea-oriented science fiction aspects. Most authors’ formal ideas are often half-baked anyway, but Rand had a unique vision of the world that wasn’t always mirrored in reality. Characters weren’t always as straightforward as Rand’s heroes and villains.
Several years later, after encountering Rand’s characters in real life and hearing the pseudo-intellectual arguments they espoused, my perspective changed. I began to take Rand’s worldview more seriously as I appreciated her philosophical depth. This led me to reconsider the capitalist versus the socialist debate, prompting me to question whether capitalism is evil or not.
Conclusion
Reading Atlas Shrugged has been a journey of self-discovery and reevaluation. It has challenged my views and provoked thought. Whether you love it or think it’s ridiculous, Rand’s novel is a significant work that continues to resonate with many readers. I look forward to revisiting it once more, perhaps with a newfound understanding and perspective.