Atlas Shrugged

Atlas Shrugged
by Ayn Rand

This book is long and daunting but well worth the read.

Ayn Rand is an objectivist (obvious, obvious). Although this book discusses many themes like business, self-preservation, the evasiveness and permeation of human nature, etc. I believe that the book is largely about how creativity is the heart of human nature and that if it is stifled we will fail as a society but where we cultivate it we will thrive.

This book is long and daunting but probably one of the most influential but overlooked books of the 20th century.

My only dispute with Ayn Rand is with her interpretation of the title. In the book she eludes to the idea that the title is meant to signify indifference. I, on the other hand, think the book is better served by a different interpretation of the title. To say that "Atlas shrugged" means that the world is "shaken", as Atlas holds the world steadily upon his back. In this book I believe that the world is shaken by the regression and progression of freedom and creativity at different stages (all contingent on those able to suppress or cultivate freedom and creativity).