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Ayn Rand: An Introduction
Few 20th century intellectuals have been as influential—and controversial—as the novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand. Her thinking still has a profound impact, particularly on those who come to it through her novels, Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead —with their core messages of individualism, self-worth, and the right to live without the impositions of others. Although ignored or scorned by some academics, traditionalists, pro- gressives, and public intellectuals, her thought remains a major influence on many of the world’s leading legislators, policy advisers, economists, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Why does Rand’s work remain so influential? Ayn Rand: An Introduction illuminates Rand’s importance, detailing her understanding of reality and human nature, and explores the ongoing fascination with and debates about her conclusions on knowledge, morality, politics, economics, government, public issues, aesthetics and literature. The book also places these in the context of her life and times, showing how revolutionary they were, and how they have influenced and continue to impact public policy debates.
Why does Rand’s work remain so influential? Ayn Rand: An Introduction illuminates Rand’s importance, detailing her understanding of reality and human nature, and explores the ongoing fascination with and debates about her conclusions on knowledge, morality, politics, economics, government, public issues, aesthetics and literature. The book also places these in the context of her life and times, showing how revolutionary they were, and how they have influenced and continue to impact public policy debates.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
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45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 2, 2022
2022-02-02 I am writing this on and as a mini-tribute to the 117th anniversary of Ayn Rand's birth. (born Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum). I have not read this book, but I have listened to the audio version (not listed in Goodreads... yet, but available in audio or just txt here: www.libertarianism.org/books/ayn-rand...) at least once and most of it 2-3x.
This book is superb!
From the choice of narrator, who has a wonderful manner, though a bit peculiar - to Americans - Englishisms pronunciations, but who does a fantastic job of making the text come alive.
To the very balanced and thorough treatment of Rand's life, influence, ideas, etc. etc.
The book is the shortest, yet most complete basic and reasonable treatment of her ideas that I have come across... and I have come across many, over the 45+ years I have been reading and been interested in Rand's ideas, critics, haters, Randroids (this book actually uses that very descriptive and appropriate word), etc.
If you want to know the basics about Ayn Rand, her ideas and influence, this is the book I recommend to start with. Reading her own writing is great too of course... but there is quite a bit of it, so this book condenses it down to the basics, in a totally even-handed/smart manner.
Enjoy.
This book is superb!
From the choice of narrator, who has a wonderful manner, though a bit peculiar - to Americans - Englishisms pronunciations, but who does a fantastic job of making the text come alive.
To the very balanced and thorough treatment of Rand's life, influence, ideas, etc. etc.
The book is the shortest, yet most complete basic and reasonable treatment of her ideas that I have come across... and I have come across many, over the 45+ years I have been reading and been interested in Rand's ideas, critics, haters, Randroids (this book actually uses that very descriptive and appropriate word), etc.
If you want to know the basics about Ayn Rand, her ideas and influence, this is the book I recommend to start with. Reading her own writing is great too of course... but there is quite a bit of it, so this book condenses it down to the basics, in a totally even-handed/smart manner.
Enjoy.
September 14, 2018
As an introductionary account of Ayn Rand, her life, writing and her philosophy this is a totally valid book. It has it's weaknesses, like using the word "complains" too much toward Rand and being somewhat repetative. Also, it has a criticts chapter, that although welcome, is mostly a lot of things that both Rand and Objectvists have answers for(the book is too short for too much discussion, and is not written for that). The book is objective, and although the author is facinated by Rand he tries to be fair toward the critics as well and keeps the hagiography on an arms length.
September 10, 2020
Simple and easy to read piece! I recommend for anyone that wants an introduction to Rand’s philosophy. In one phrase I was not sure if the author was exposing his view or Rand’s. Watch out for spoilers about her novels in the end.
October 27, 2021
A good introduction to the life, work and philosophy of Ayn Rand, giving a brief but thorough description of her early years in Russia, her life in America, the struggles she faced in getting her work recognised, as well as a fairly outline of her views on politics, economics, art, literature, education, among many other things. The impression you get from this book is that Rand's philosophy was all-encompassing, and fairly dogmatic. Which is a little ironic really.
From the early Rand novels I've read so far, I've found what she has to say fascinating. I'm not sure if I agree with everything she says, and this general introduction has left me in more doubt. I've yet to read her major works, The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, so I'm reserving any judgment until I do. But I can definitely see how her ideas would be seen as controversial.
All in all, this book is worth reading if you're yet to tackle any of Rand's works and wondering what she is all about, or even if you have read her works (and still wondering!).
From the early Rand novels I've read so far, I've found what she has to say fascinating. I'm not sure if I agree with everything she says, and this general introduction has left me in more doubt. I've yet to read her major works, The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, so I'm reserving any judgment until I do. But I can definitely see how her ideas would be seen as controversial.
All in all, this book is worth reading if you're yet to tackle any of Rand's works and wondering what she is all about, or even if you have read her works (and still wondering!).
July 14, 2018
An accessible and engaging introduction to and summary of Rand's writings and objectivism.
February 18, 2019
Great intro to her ideas and life!
May 26, 2021
Mais uma excelente obra de iniciação ao pensamento de Ayn Rand e sua filosofia, o Objetivismo!
Abrangendo os principais subcampos da filosofia objetivista (metafísica, epistemologia, ética, política e estética), e trazendo ao final algumas críticas às ideias da autora (as quais eu achei pouco profundas), o livro nos mostra toda a importância de Rand, dando detalhe acerca de sua compreensão da realidade e da natureza humana, bem como de suas conclusões - sempre polêmicas e chocantes - sobre conhecimento, economia, política, governo e literatura. Ainda, o livro contextualiza os conceitos randianos dentro de sua vida pessoal e época, demonstrando sua influência e impacto, principalmente na economia e na política.
Criticada por muitos, amada por ainda mais, Rand permanece atual e necessária, tornando a leitura desse livro quase que obrigatória.
=====
Destaco um excerto, que praticamente resume toda a forma de viver da Boa Velhinha:
"(...) tenha autoconfiança, crie oportunidades em vez de exigir segurança, não troque sua liberdade e dignidade por nada, defenda suas realizações e os frutos de seu esforço físico e mental, não espere favores nem faça sacrifícios e, por fim, respeite o direito dos outros de viver da mesma forma."
Abrangendo os principais subcampos da filosofia objetivista (metafísica, epistemologia, ética, política e estética), e trazendo ao final algumas críticas às ideias da autora (as quais eu achei pouco profundas), o livro nos mostra toda a importância de Rand, dando detalhe acerca de sua compreensão da realidade e da natureza humana, bem como de suas conclusões - sempre polêmicas e chocantes - sobre conhecimento, economia, política, governo e literatura. Ainda, o livro contextualiza os conceitos randianos dentro de sua vida pessoal e época, demonstrando sua influência e impacto, principalmente na economia e na política.
Criticada por muitos, amada por ainda mais, Rand permanece atual e necessária, tornando a leitura desse livro quase que obrigatória.
=====
Destaco um excerto, que praticamente resume toda a forma de viver da Boa Velhinha:
"(...) tenha autoconfiança, crie oportunidades em vez de exigir segurança, não troque sua liberdade e dignidade por nada, defenda suas realizações e os frutos de seu esforço físico e mental, não espere favores nem faça sacrifícios e, por fim, respeite o direito dos outros de viver da mesma forma."
April 3, 2023
This is a concise introduction to Ayn Rand's philosophical worldview that has strong implications for morality, politics, economics, art, religion, and more. I felt like I was back in school reading this...there are so many vocabulary words! I was not surprised to find that the Suggested Reading list included an entire book (a lexicon) devoted to Ayn Rand vocabulary words.
The more I learned about Rand's philosophy, the more I wanted to drop this book. It was boring and tedious to say the least. I almost rated this book 2 stars, but chapter 11 ("Rands Novels") got me interested in reading Atlas Shrugged (I have a copy and had planned on letting it collect dust for a while, but I might read it in the near future), and I liked that Butler included an entire chapter of people attacking Rand's views.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2024
Excellent intro to her ideas, and where to start.
July 26, 2021
Livro sobre a visão de Ayn Rand sobre a economia, a política, a filosofia, entre outras coisas, tudo bem resumido e fácil de ler e entender. Por ser um livro básico entrega o necessário para entender essa filosofia do Objetivismo, aplicado a vários aspectos da vida humana, tanto do indivíduo quando da sociedade.
Altamente recomendado!
Altamente recomendado!
June 9, 2022
A very good introduction to Ayn Rand
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews