Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

ATLAS SHRUGGED, published in1957,isanovelbyRussian-American philosopher Ayn Rand. It’s considered one of the most influential novels of the twentieth century and has had a significant impact on libertarian movements. It’s a massive tome, clocking in at over a thousand pages in most editions. However, its length is justified by the sheer amount of ideas and philosophical concepts it contains. Rand explores themes of individualism, capitalism, personal ambition, and the role of government. The novel tells the story of a dystopian society whose brightest and most productive members go on strike, leaving the rest of the world to crumble.

Here I want to briefly examine the relevance of the themes of Atlas Shrugged to our own culture.

Plot

Atlas Shrugged is set in a world similar to our own, but where the brightest and most productive members of society have gone on strike. The main character, Dagny Taggart, is the Vice President of Operations at Taggart Transcontinental, a large railroad company. She’s determined to keep the company afloat despite the constant interference of the government and the ineptitude of her brother, James Taggart, who is the President of the company.