Reading some of you're comments I'm so glad to see you understand Ayn Rand's philosophy. If you ever get the chance read The Passion of Ayn Rand's Critics. It totally changed my opinion of her personal life. Not to mention it reads like a gumshoe novel toward the end.
Its funny how 'copying' is frowned upon so much by the post Beaux Arts school of thought. You could say the same thing about a group of people 'copying' each other by dressing in suits or speaking the same language. Rands's egoism has only served to promote current architects who invent their own dress and language, and when it comes to design, Rands philosophy suggests not to learn from 3,000+ years of collective history, but rather learn from their own limited shit experience instead.
Great review. I may take the time to read it sometime soon. I watched the movie a couple of months ago and LOVED it. Howard Roarks speech in the courtroom near the end of the film is one of the most powerful monologues I've ever seen in a movie. Very inspiring.
Wow I love also ayn rand, and I'm in a objectivist club and we use to talk about many things, included this book. Thank you for the video, I like you very much. How old are you ?
I've been hesitant to read books by Ayn Rand because of things I've read about her philosophy that really I don't agree with--specifically her egoism and opposition of altruism. But at the same time, I like the ideas of individualism and integrity you focus on here a lot. How do those two sides of the coin balance out in the book (or in Atlas Shrugged)? Maybe I'm resisting Rand too much, but I can't shake the feeling that I'll disagree with her too much to enjoy her writing.
@thazzchair Great question! Honestly, if I had been exposed to some of Rand's ideas before reading the book, I may have hesitated too. There is so much misrepresentation of her philosophy out there, it's easy to be apprehensive.Rand values egotism, but that is only a gross generalization and sounds bad initially, but what critics don't say is that she redefines the concept entirely, it is not the original meaning of the word she's talking about. (continued)
@thazzchair Your other example, altruism: It sounds so bad initially, but if you actually "hear" her out entirely, you'll find out she is NOT against private charity (for instance), she is only against compulsory, state-mandated charity (communism is probably a great example). This also ties into her support of capitalism and the idea that the money you earn is yours to do whatever you want with it, not to give it in taxes or mandatory charity. The only way to know is to read her works. :)
@audreymereu I guess I've never really gotten a totally objective presentation of Rand's philosophy, so I appreciate the explanation! It seems like a lot of what she is about applies to people regardless of their thoughts on capitalism or charity, too, so I'll definitely be reading the Fountainhead at some point. Keep making great reviews! And speaking of 800-page philosophical classics, ever consider Moby-Dick?
This is the greatest book I've ever read. I've read it dozens of times at this point, and I never tire of it. As a person who left architecture due to the fact that no one had any ideas of their own anymore, I relate to it. I have an older copy, reprinted in the early 60's, and I've worn it out at this point. Great video, as it's very easy to see your passion here.
I bought this book because there is a scholarship based on it, but I was quickly enraptured by the characters. This has quickly become my favourite novel, and I would recommend it to anyone. Despite its length, it is easy to read. Can't wait to read more of Ayn Rand's books
Poor people would have lived in mediocre apt's, which is too bad, because beauty does matter, but they'd seen worse. Was Roark's response rational or vindictive? He gained nothing. Is that rational? Why not vandalism? Or, suppose the SOBs had installed faulty wiring so that as a fire hazard he had to blow it up? As for hoaxadays, Ayn's critique of all superficial belief as promoting self-hatred is a specious generalization. Some of them are in love with themselves! :)
@ZenPapageno Poor is a very relative statement, especially when referring to people who reside within the US. to have a domicile and food at your disposal, to me, negates someone being poor. rational is just as subjective, just as Dominique destroyed the piece of art she bought and had the right to because it belonged to her, so did Roark because he created it, it belonged to him his thought/idea which he wasn't obligated to share but did at a price that was not paid.
@original1sun Subjectively, decide which of these would be more properly called rational.
a. At little or no cost or personal risk, carry out a non-violent protest, e.g,, vandalism, that would allow oneself to publicly humiliate one's enemies in a court of law and restore one's reputation
b. With dynamite, carry out destruction that might accomplish the above but would risk a lengthy prison sentence
@lovenpeace1000 It is a very well-written, articulate book. I think you won't have any difficulty understanding it. It definitely is a long book, but don't let that scare you because it is very entertaining and you should be able to go through it relatively quickly.
I think the late-1940s novel Fountainhead is passe'. It was written after the war, during which there was a constant need for sacrifice among Americans - soldiers and to a lesser extent civilians. There was also the danger of Soviet expansion and sympathy for the Soviets among a considerable number of Americans. Stalin was an enemy of individual freedom and dignity as ugly as any Ayn Rand villain. Today's America is profoundly different. We're practically a nation of Randists.
@ZenPapageno I totally disagree, the book is more poignant today than ever. society still has a mob mentality and a fear of the individual. we still have unions and a compassion for the poor as if they can't lift themselves out of there condition...the best example i would cite is the OWS Movement, its like Toohey is at the head of it. Ayn Rand's premise didn't deal with government in Fountainhead it dealt with the greatness of individual creativity...hence it taking place in the US not USSR
@original1sun OWS points to one of Ayn Rand's strange quirks -- lumping the gas station owner together with the compulsive gambler on Wall St. whose lunatic behavior helped to push the world into the recession and calling them both businessmen and as such good citizens. The assembled bongo players, folk singers and street mimes present a depressing opposition to the lunatics, but I have to say that they're relatively harmless.
@ZenPapageno i disagree again, while the OWS movement maybe relatively harmless, the mindset behind it isn't. while Rand may not have championed Wall st. as an ideal, through Roark (as ideal man) she would not have collectively demonstrated against them and it's precisely the collective targeting of anything that makes mob mentality dangerous, especially when the true goals of this collectivism hasn't been expressed. The OWS spirit can ultimately pick any target and attempt to shut it down.
@original1sun The people assembled in NY would be more accurately described as a crowd - no purpose. To an extent, Roark is an ideal. Creator. "But I don't think of you" he says to his enemy. Genius. Why doesn't he say that at the end, instead of the TNT tantrum? Why not go along with them and splash abstract art all over the apt's - then be arrested? Why no humor? Yes, the collective is a threat to freedom. What do you call the multinational corp if not a collective?
@ZenPapageno i submit to your argument :) but not wholeheartedly, it's because of the humor u infuse among truths...yea he kind of kills Toohey with that huh? I would have liked the book to end with another confrontation between Toohey and Roark...the fact that Toohey lands on his feet bothered me...he doesn't feel his defeat enough...now as far as the multinationals go, they are a collective but we fed/feed them with Black Friday and all the other commercial hoaxadays we celebrate.
@ZenPapageno furthermore, i don't think it was a tantrum...I think it was a statement, which he had not done throughout the entire novel until then...i saw it as more of a tactic for him to have a platform to finally espouse his views of Man as Ideal Creator. and I do believe you can have a collective group without infringing on individual creativity...people who arrive at similar ideas/goals independently but act collectively isn't a threat in my view.
@XanderXereus What in particular would you have like to hear about, that is missing from my video? In my defense, and as I've mentioned at the start, I am not a book critic, but a mere reader. Therefore, I cannot guarantee and orthodox, 'by-the-book' book review. :) Thank you for watching!
@audreymereu you took the initiative to share an independent thought with the universe and open up your ideals to criticism, that in-and-of-itself is a great accomplishment. you opened up a dialogue from your own perspective. my only disappointment and i think Rand would agree is that you feel you have to defend your work to "second-handers" and then ask their advice what they would like to hear. Just keep producing as you see fit. 779 views..."your people"
@original1sun Thank you! I have to say I do care about my viewers and how they interpret my videos, however I would never blindly follow a request if it is not what I want to produce. You raise a great point and I think Ayn Rand would have "Liked" it if she were alive. :) (I hope she isn't rolling in her grave because I said that.)
I watched and enjoyed your review. I read this book a few years ago and thought it was great as well. I feel like you when you said this book made you work harder through college. I am a project engineer, I have problems that crop up every day on projects. This book helped me deal with the day-in-day-out struggle of project management and coping with adversity. You asked for a book recommedation, I would say "Return of the Primitive" by Ayn Rand...you would like it.
@shaunp007 Thank you very much for the recommendation! It is my goal to read all of Ayn Rand's works and I will definitely add your recommended book to my list. It is amazing how The Fountainhead can positively impact readers, not only in their personal ethics, but also on a daily basis. Thank you very much for your comment!
If people were more aware of Ayn Rand's work, imagine how applicable it can be to today's society. If anything, her philosophy could possibly serve as an extra enhancement to promoting individuality.
Anyway, aside from that, I agree that the book is fantastic just as a novel alone. It's definitely a classic for sure. Even though it was published in 1943, as a member of today's generation, it speaks to me for sure.
@KIWIgirl2014 I absolutely agree with you! Even though our society has become more individualistic, standing out from the crowd is still discouraged in many cases. Hope you enjoy finishing The Fountainhead! Thank you for watching and commenting!
I'm actually close to finishing the book actually and it just goes to show that individuality is definitely one of the most precious things in the world. To be in an environment where everyone is so opposed by it is almost unimaginable.
The reason why I say almost is because in a way, circumstances today are somewhat like that. While individuality is admired more in today's time, there are also times where if you stand out, you'll possibly be frowned upon.
Thumbs up for epic book. I have my problems with some of the assumptions Ayn Rand makes, but the message is pretty damn clear, and it has touched me... inappropriately.
I know what you're saying about the book making you work harder. It actually captures that good feeling you want to have after working hard and thus it inspires you. I remember one scene with Roark's hand in a puddle of coffee after he'd collapsed from working, doing something he loved that he was successful doing.
Question: DId you get the ethical message of the book and do you agree with it?
@Virtueman1 I absolutely agree with your comment, that is a great observation. And to answer your question, the ethical message of the book, as far as I understood, is that man is an end in himself, and not a means to the ends of others, that everyone should work for their rational self-interest and that their happiness must be their supreme moral purpose in life. Ayn Rand wanted to dispel the notion that selfishness is bad and considered it one of the basic traits of rational beings.
thanks for the disclaimer... with that said- great review!
Jacob2Israel 1 day ago
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Reading some of you're comments I'm so glad to see you understand Ayn Rand's philosophy. If you ever get the chance read The Passion of Ayn Rand's Critics. It totally changed my opinion of her personal life. Not to mention it reads like a gumshoe novel toward the end.
lashkaretoiba 4 days ago
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lashkaretoiba 4 days ago
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icrutchv4 6 days ago
Its funny how 'copying' is frowned upon so much by the post Beaux Arts school of thought. You could say the same thing about a group of people 'copying' each other by dressing in suits or speaking the same language. Rands's egoism has only served to promote current architects who invent their own dress and language, and when it comes to design, Rands philosophy suggests not to learn from 3,000+ years of collective history, but rather learn from their own limited shit experience instead.
MrLearntoread 1 week ago
The Ayn Rand Cult is another great book. It's by Jeff Walker and should be required reading for anyone who falls under the spell of Rand's bullshit.
ar4216 1 week ago
Great review. I may take the time to read it sometime soon. I watched the movie a couple of months ago and LOVED it. Howard Roarks speech in the courtroom near the end of the film is one of the most powerful monologues I've ever seen in a movie. Very inspiring.
KyleSkullz 2 weeks ago
You sound a lot like counselor troi from star trek, haha.
TheBookerSmith 1 month ago
Wow I love also ayn rand, and I'm in a objectivist club and we use to talk about many things, included this book. Thank you for the video, I like you very much. How old are you ?
TheAmericanFreeBird 1 month ago
I've been hesitant to read books by Ayn Rand because of things I've read about her philosophy that really I don't agree with--specifically her egoism and opposition of altruism. But at the same time, I like the ideas of individualism and integrity you focus on here a lot. How do those two sides of the coin balance out in the book (or in Atlas Shrugged)? Maybe I'm resisting Rand too much, but I can't shake the feeling that I'll disagree with her too much to enjoy her writing.
thazzchair 2 months ago
@thazzchair Great question! Honestly, if I had been exposed to some of Rand's ideas before reading the book, I may have hesitated too. There is so much misrepresentation of her philosophy out there, it's easy to be apprehensive.Rand values egotism, but that is only a gross generalization and sounds bad initially, but what critics don't say is that she redefines the concept entirely, it is not the original meaning of the word she's talking about. (continued)
audreymereu 2 months ago
@thazzchair Your other example, altruism: It sounds so bad initially, but if you actually "hear" her out entirely, you'll find out she is NOT against private charity (for instance), she is only against compulsory, state-mandated charity (communism is probably a great example). This also ties into her support of capitalism and the idea that the money you earn is yours to do whatever you want with it, not to give it in taxes or mandatory charity. The only way to know is to read her works. :)
audreymereu 2 months ago
@audreymereu I guess I've never really gotten a totally objective presentation of Rand's philosophy, so I appreciate the explanation! It seems like a lot of what she is about applies to people regardless of their thoughts on capitalism or charity, too, so I'll definitely be reading the Fountainhead at some point. Keep making great reviews! And speaking of 800-page philosophical classics, ever consider Moby-Dick?
thazzchair 2 months ago
This is the greatest book I've ever read. I've read it dozens of times at this point, and I never tire of it. As a person who left architecture due to the fact that no one had any ideas of their own anymore, I relate to it. I have an older copy, reprinted in the early 60's, and I've worn it out at this point. Great video, as it's very easy to see your passion here.
luketdrifter2100 2 months ago
I bought this book because there is a scholarship based on it, but I was quickly enraptured by the characters. This has quickly become my favourite novel, and I would recommend it to anyone. Despite its length, it is easy to read. Can't wait to read more of Ayn Rand's books
gooodfridays 2 months ago
Error previous post - for "superficial" read "supernatural." Boo!
ZenPapageno 3 months ago
Poor people would have lived in mediocre apt's, which is too bad, because beauty does matter, but they'd seen worse. Was Roark's response rational or vindictive? He gained nothing. Is that rational? Why not vandalism? Or, suppose the SOBs had installed faulty wiring so that as a fire hazard he had to blow it up? As for hoaxadays, Ayn's critique of all superficial belief as promoting self-hatred is a specious generalization. Some of them are in love with themselves! :)
ZenPapageno 3 months ago
@ZenPapageno Poor is a very relative statement, especially when referring to people who reside within the US. to have a domicile and food at your disposal, to me, negates someone being poor. rational is just as subjective, just as Dominique destroyed the piece of art she bought and had the right to because it belonged to her, so did Roark because he created it, it belonged to him his thought/idea which he wasn't obligated to share but did at a price that was not paid.
original1sun 2 months ago
@original1sun Subjectively, decide which of these would be more properly called rational.
a. At little or no cost or personal risk, carry out a non-violent protest, e.g,, vandalism, that would allow oneself to publicly humiliate one's enemies in a court of law and restore one's reputation
b. With dynamite, carry out destruction that might accomplish the above but would risk a lengthy prison sentence
ZenPapageno 2 months ago
was it hard to understand? I am a junior in highschool and have been wanting to read this book but I am intimidated by its length
lovenpeace1000 4 months ago
@lovenpeace1000 It is a very well-written, articulate book. I think you won't have any difficulty understanding it. It definitely is a long book, but don't let that scare you because it is very entertaining and you should be able to go through it relatively quickly.
audreymereu 3 months ago
Just got done with Atlas Shrugged...the Fountainhead is next
auctionmusic 4 months ago
@auctionmusic I hope you'll love them both! :)
audreymereu 4 months ago
I think the late-1940s novel Fountainhead is passe'. It was written after the war, during which there was a constant need for sacrifice among Americans - soldiers and to a lesser extent civilians. There was also the danger of Soviet expansion and sympathy for the Soviets among a considerable number of Americans. Stalin was an enemy of individual freedom and dignity as ugly as any Ayn Rand villain. Today's America is profoundly different. We're practically a nation of Randists.
ZenPapageno 4 months ago
Comment removed
original1sun 3 months ago
@ZenPapageno I totally disagree, the book is more poignant today than ever. society still has a mob mentality and a fear of the individual. we still have unions and a compassion for the poor as if they can't lift themselves out of there condition...the best example i would cite is the OWS Movement, its like Toohey is at the head of it. Ayn Rand's premise didn't deal with government in Fountainhead it dealt with the greatness of individual creativity...hence it taking place in the US not USSR
original1sun 3 months ago
@original1sun OWS points to one of Ayn Rand's strange quirks -- lumping the gas station owner together with the compulsive gambler on Wall St. whose lunatic behavior helped to push the world into the recession and calling them both businessmen and as such good citizens. The assembled bongo players, folk singers and street mimes present a depressing opposition to the lunatics, but I have to say that they're relatively harmless.
ZenPapageno 3 months ago
@ZenPapageno i disagree again, while the OWS movement maybe relatively harmless, the mindset behind it isn't. while Rand may not have championed Wall st. as an ideal, through Roark (as ideal man) she would not have collectively demonstrated against them and it's precisely the collective targeting of anything that makes mob mentality dangerous, especially when the true goals of this collectivism hasn't been expressed. The OWS spirit can ultimately pick any target and attempt to shut it down.
original1sun 3 months ago
@original1sun The people assembled in NY would be more accurately described as a crowd - no purpose. To an extent, Roark is an ideal. Creator. "But I don't think of you" he says to his enemy. Genius. Why doesn't he say that at the end, instead of the TNT tantrum? Why not go along with them and splash abstract art all over the apt's - then be arrested? Why no humor? Yes, the collective is a threat to freedom. What do you call the multinational corp if not a collective?
ZenPapageno 3 months ago
@ZenPapageno i submit to your argument :) but not wholeheartedly, it's because of the humor u infuse among truths...yea he kind of kills Toohey with that huh? I would have liked the book to end with another confrontation between Toohey and Roark...the fact that Toohey lands on his feet bothered me...he doesn't feel his defeat enough...now as far as the multinationals go, they are a collective but we fed/feed them with Black Friday and all the other commercial hoaxadays we celebrate.
original1sun 3 months ago
@ZenPapageno furthermore, i don't think it was a tantrum...I think it was a statement, which he had not done throughout the entire novel until then...i saw it as more of a tactic for him to have a platform to finally espouse his views of Man as Ideal Creator. and I do believe you can have a collective group without infringing on individual creativity...people who arrive at similar ideas/goals independently but act collectively isn't a threat in my view.
original1sun 3 months ago
This is not a book review, it's a book recommendation. You didn't actually review anything about the book. :/
XanderXereus 5 months ago
@XanderXereus What in particular would you have like to hear about, that is missing from my video? In my defense, and as I've mentioned at the start, I am not a book critic, but a mere reader. Therefore, I cannot guarantee and orthodox, 'by-the-book' book review. :) Thank you for watching!
audreymereu 5 months ago
@audreymereu you took the initiative to share an independent thought with the universe and open up your ideals to criticism, that in-and-of-itself is a great accomplishment. you opened up a dialogue from your own perspective. my only disappointment and i think Rand would agree is that you feel you have to defend your work to "second-handers" and then ask their advice what they would like to hear. Just keep producing as you see fit. 779 views..."your people"
original1sun 3 months ago
@original1sun Thank you! I have to say I do care about my viewers and how they interpret my videos, however I would never blindly follow a request if it is not what I want to produce. You raise a great point and I think Ayn Rand would have "Liked" it if she were alive. :) (I hope she isn't rolling in her grave because I said that.)
audreymereu 3 months ago
@audreymereu no rolling, back flips :) no handed consecutive back flips...
original1sun 3 months ago
I watched and enjoyed your review. I read this book a few years ago and thought it was great as well. I feel like you when you said this book made you work harder through college. I am a project engineer, I have problems that crop up every day on projects. This book helped me deal with the day-in-day-out struggle of project management and coping with adversity. You asked for a book recommedation, I would say "Return of the Primitive" by Ayn Rand...you would like it.
shaunp007 6 months ago
@shaunp007 Thank you very much for the recommendation! It is my goal to read all of Ayn Rand's works and I will definitely add your recommended book to my list. It is amazing how The Fountainhead can positively impact readers, not only in their personal ethics, but also on a daily basis. Thank you very much for your comment!
audreymereu 6 months ago
Pls contact me when you have some chance
JESUS1John 6 months ago
(CONTINUED)
If people were more aware of Ayn Rand's work, imagine how applicable it can be to today's society. If anything, her philosophy could possibly serve as an extra enhancement to promoting individuality.
Anyway, aside from that, I agree that the book is fantastic just as a novel alone. It's definitely a classic for sure. Even though it was published in 1943, as a member of today's generation, it speaks to me for sure.
KIWIgirl2014 6 months ago
@KIWIgirl2014 I absolutely agree with you! Even though our society has become more individualistic, standing out from the crowd is still discouraged in many cases. Hope you enjoy finishing The Fountainhead! Thank you for watching and commenting!
audreymereu 6 months ago
I really like your review.
I'm actually close to finishing the book actually and it just goes to show that individuality is definitely one of the most precious things in the world. To be in an environment where everyone is so opposed by it is almost unimaginable.
The reason why I say almost is because in a way, circumstances today are somewhat like that. While individuality is admired more in today's time, there are also times where if you stand out, you'll possibly be frowned upon.
KIWIgirl2014 6 months ago
My favorite book. Very nice to meet you.
ObjectivistAesthetic 6 months ago 8
Well explained ! Acceptable review !
bassnebula93 7 months ago
Thumbs up for epic book. I have my problems with some of the assumptions Ayn Rand makes, but the message is pretty damn clear, and it has touched me... inappropriately.
:)
wolfmweh 8 months ago
Nice review.
I know what you're saying about the book making you work harder. It actually captures that good feeling you want to have after working hard and thus it inspires you. I remember one scene with Roark's hand in a puddle of coffee after he'd collapsed from working, doing something he loved that he was successful doing.
Question: DId you get the ethical message of the book and do you agree with it?
Virtueman1 8 months ago
@Virtueman1 I absolutely agree with your comment, that is a great observation. And to answer your question, the ethical message of the book, as far as I understood, is that man is an end in himself, and not a means to the ends of others, that everyone should work for their rational self-interest and that their happiness must be their supreme moral purpose in life. Ayn Rand wanted to dispel the notion that selfishness is bad and considered it one of the basic traits of rational beings.
audreymereu 8 months ago
I like to hear people's true feelings about books rather than a 'critic', so great video! I will have to try and pick this up!
TheMugfaker 8 months ago
@TheMugfaker Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!
audreymereu 8 months ago