5o years ago Ayn Rand penned one of the most popular novels of the 20th century; Atlas Shrugged. This work has a cult-like following around the world, but is especially popular with entrepreneurs. Critics have spoken out against it for years and kept it out of the schools. If you’ve read this Mental Toughness Masterpiece, I’d like to hear your comments on the impact it had on your life. If you haven’t, do yourself a favor and read it or listen to it on CD. Whether you love or hate it, this is one of the most important books ever written and it deserves a place in your personal library. (4:34 )
3 thoughts on “Atlas Shrugged: Mental Toughness Masterpiece?”
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Rich,
I love what you’re doing with your kids reading these important books. And I think you’re right about the Secret, which has recieved more public attention in the last year than Atlas Shrugged has recieved in the last 50 years! Amazing. I’ve always said that if most college professors understood the Ayn Rand philosophy of business they would own the buildings instead of teaching in them!
I always look forward to your comments, Rich. Thanks for being part of our mental toughness community.
Steve Siebold, CSP
http://www.mentaltoughnesscollege.com
Steve,
I read the book many years ago and have read the Fountainhead several times. It had a profound effect on my thinking and the ideas presented are a driving force for me to this day. It is a shame that it’s not required reading in schools, but with the religious right rearing its ugly head these days, I don’t think that will change anytime soon.
I believe a primary reason why some hate the book is because of her position as an atheist. Real “men of the mind” do tap into the power of attraction. It doesn’t really matter if we understand the source of the power as long as we understand how to use it. She obviously knew how “men of the mind” used and applied the power, she just didn’t place a universal source behind the power. I believe it is the reason a book like The Secret gets a much warmer response that a book like Atlas Shrugged.
Kris
Steve:
It kills me that Atlas Shrugged is not studied in the schools. There is more educational value in that than 4 years of most colleges.
My wife and I have our own business and two children in college, and both of our boys have expressed interest in working with us after they graduate. We have decided before that would happen, they need to learn the things they won’t learn in school. Among other tasks, there is a list of books they have to read and provide a report to us. Atlas Shrugged is the first on the list.
Rich