Atlas Shrugged

Even in these troubled times, people are buying books to read. Curiously, a book I bought and read 5 years ago is making its way up the bestseller list again. The book is "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand. (Yes, you heard me talk about her before.)

Written more than 50 years ago, it depicts an America where economically successful people were "penalised" through government regulations and taxation so that the less successful people can get what they need. Almost like a "Robin Hood" system, take from the successful and give to the unsuccessful. Much like what is happening in the USA now, with all the bailouts and massive spending to keep unsuccessful companies afloat.

Unfortunately, the successful people in Rand's book had enough of such a system. So they went on strike, refusing to contribute anymore to a world they know would not allow them their just rewards. And since it is the successful people that "run the world," the entire world collapses without them.

The reason why this book is beginning to sell again is because it seemed to have saw the current economic crisis coming 50 years ago. So people are now looking for answers in the book. Although I feel that there are still some differences between the book and the current reality we are in, I believe Ayn Rand still makes a good and very powerful point in the book. Especially the point about how a man must ultimately work for his own happiness and no one Else's. Really does make you think.

Read the book, perhaps we can have a good discussion later.... lol