Thorkell Ottarsson
asked:
So Should I read Atlas Shrugged, knowing I hate what Ayn Rand stands for and preached? My question is if reading it will give me any insight I need or if it is just a waist of time and unnecessary self harm? Have others who have the same view on her politics as I not regretted spending their time reading the book?
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Conchita
I believe that people who don't like what the author stands for are the ones who will get most out of this book.
Richard Mayne
One must endeavour to steel man your opponent's arguments if you truly want to understand your own position.
I love both Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead... Indeed reading Toohey's last speech to Keating, you can't help but see the poison of the last few decades and how the left has made society so dysfunctional... she lays it in easy steps in 1943...
I did love her views on Robin Hood... that was refreshing
I love both Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead... Indeed reading Toohey's last speech to Keating, you can't help but see the poison of the last few decades and how the left has made society so dysfunctional... she lays it in easy steps in 1943...
I did love her views on Robin Hood... that was refreshing
Lisa
If you don't read the book yourself, you won't know what it really says.
You might find that there are things you do agree with, or at least be better able to frame your argument against it.
But life is short, and if you don't *want* to read the book or understand this aspect of Ayn Rand's beliefs then definitely spend your time pursuing books that you enjoy. "Spark Joy" and all that...it works with media, too.
You might find that there are things you do agree with, or at least be better able to frame your argument against it.
But life is short, and if you don't *want* to read the book or understand this aspect of Ayn Rand's beliefs then definitely spend your time pursuing books that you enjoy. "Spark Joy" and all that...it works with media, too.
james wells
How can you argue your point effectively if you do not understand the position of your opponent?
John Couto
Hey, I have not regretted! I found it very insightful, especially due to Ayn Rand's philosophy on topics such as reason, self-knowledge, achievement and self-interest. About her political views, I've just discarded it all. Her philosophy has use outside a liberal economy. It speaks about being true to yourself, knowing who yourself truly is and what YOU want, and fighting to earn it, and not feeling a big victim of the whole world.
Johnny Nick
Don't read this book. It will make you angry. Rand accurately depicts the mooches and the frauds in our society and forces them to view themselves as they really are. Mooches and frauds hate seeing themselves as they really are. It makes them angry. Skip this book.
John Dennis
Reading things you don't necessarily agree with is never a waste of time.
Never.
This is from 3 years ago - so maybe you've read it already - maybe not. I'll just write this for anyone who's considering reading books in general that they know they will not agree with from the outset.
Who cares if you agree with the author? Sure we don't have unlimited time on this Earth and we should intentionally organize our lives - so sure, reading should be part of your life and you should think seriously about what you want to read and listen to people you respect when considering recommendations and listen to yourself when you are reading it.
Reading writing that is clear is very enjoyable and Ayn Rand's writing is super clear.
Said that, I think that if you don't agree with what Ayn Rand stands for, this book will help you get a better idea of what those ideas are, what they mean and then you can formulate what you consider your response to those ideas. Just saying you "disagree" or "hate" what someone stands for just isn't going to cut the mustard - so dig deep ... and I hope you have fun.
Never.
This is from 3 years ago - so maybe you've read it already - maybe not. I'll just write this for anyone who's considering reading books in general that they know they will not agree with from the outset.
Who cares if you agree with the author? Sure we don't have unlimited time on this Earth and we should intentionally organize our lives - so sure, reading should be part of your life and you should think seriously about what you want to read and listen to people you respect when considering recommendations and listen to yourself when you are reading it.
Reading writing that is clear is very enjoyable and Ayn Rand's writing is super clear.
Said that, I think that if you don't agree with what Ayn Rand stands for, this book will help you get a better idea of what those ideas are, what they mean and then you can formulate what you consider your response to those ideas. Just saying you "disagree" or "hate" what someone stands for just isn't going to cut the mustard - so dig deep ... and I hope you have fun.
Seed
I didn't have an accurate idea of what Ayn Rand stands for before I read one of her books, because people describing her views often misrepresent them.
Generally, I think most value comes from reading about ideas which seem counterintuitive at first. We don't learn much by only reading to confirm existing beliefs.
If you hate it, you can always put it down :)
Generally, I think most value comes from reading about ideas which seem counterintuitive at first. We don't learn much by only reading to confirm existing beliefs.
If you hate it, you can always put it down :)
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