I tend to think Objectivism is more flawed than most philosophies because it's predicted on a false assumption- i.e. people and/or the universe are/is rational. It's not that I think there's no truth in AS; it's just that the truths she presents are contextualized in such an unrealistic manner.

I understand why it's appealing. People can be annoying as hell, but again, Francisco doesn't mean "sometimes you just want to get away," a sentiment I would certainly share. Francisco (and Rand) are postulating that people like Reardon would be able to do what he did had be been alone, which is simply not possible.

Ultimately, since their only motive is profit and self-satisfaction, it seems to me their lives are pretty empty with or without other people.

It's still a fun book though.