Recommended for: people interested in philosophy and economics
Teaser quote:
"It's a moral imperative, universally conceded in our day and age, that every man is entitled to a job". His voice rose: "I'm entitled to it!"
"You are? Go on, then, collect your claim."
"Uh?"
"Collect your job. Pick it off the bush where you think it grows."
"I mean - "
"You mean that it doesn't? You mean that you need it, but can't create it? You mean that you are entitled to a job which I must create for you?"
"Yes!"
"And if I don't?"
My rating: 4/5
My thoughts: The title, Atlas Shrugged, refers to Atlas from Greek mythology who fought with the Titans in the war against the deities of Mount Olympus. As punishment, he was condemned to bear forever on his back the earth and the heavens and on his shoulders the great pillar that separates them. What would happen to the world if Atlas, a metaphor for the creators & innovators of today, were to stop?
Published over 50 years ago and yet it is still relevant today. It is a story about a railroad company struggling in a crumbling U.S. economy that is made worse by the restrictions imposed by the government. In turn, the government blames the free market and greed and imposes more controls, hindering the economy even more.
A main premise of the story was to defend Capitalism not just for it's economic benefits but for its social morality. Leechers take earnings from people who have earned it. Moochers, a form of leecher, demand others earnings on behalf of the needy playing on guilt and suggesting it is their moral right to provide for those unable to earn themselves. The innovators have the burden of societies well-being forced upon them.
For years, I have been meaning to read this but I constantly put it off. At close to 1,200 pages one needs to make a commitment before picking up the book! Whether you agree with her philosophy or not, the book makes you think as she succeeds in sending a message of the importance of personal responsibility, accountability and good ol' hard work. It has the ability to change the way you look at yourself, the world around you, the society as a whole.
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