Fear and Loathing

[wlotus]

I am reading Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand, and the book is stirring anger and fear in me. I am about 1/4 through the book, and there is an overwhelming theme of mediocrity being rewarded, while those who do not walk in lockstep are pushed down until they surrender. When the person who is shining brighter than the rest does not quietly accept pleas from friends to step back, people in authority step in to create rules to force them to submit. The rules are created in back rooms and under tables, and the jealousy and hatred that fueled their creation are whitewashed...in this case with empty words about social responsibility and the need to even the playing field so everyone can achieve. Furthermore, those who do not fall in line are told they are selfish and wrong to fight the power.

Not only does this remind me of current political events in this country, it reminds me of some of my experiences in corporate America. I know it is just a book, but it is pushing all sorts of buttons.

Comments

[verucas-chaos.livejournal.com]

I still have my copy of AS that Dean gave to me all those years ago. I'm going to drag it out and read some of it again. There is a really good movie about Ayn Rand's life. If I can come up with the title, I'll let you know. You might like watching the DVD.

Like I said, the book did change my life. Sadly, I didn't feel as though I could act on those changes until well into my forties. At 51, I am glad to have read it then and have the ability to look back and forgive myself for not being more "selfish."