Deborah Harrell wrote <<I took more of a visceral dislike to the themes and attitudes in _Atlas Shrugged_ (and read nothing further by her after that), rather than a philosophical disagreement. But I will try to dissect my opinions:
1] Very Black And White-- either you're a driven, self-made, hard-edged no-holds-barred uncompromising man, or a lazy, sponging, a**-kissing parasitical sheep.>> Very Black And White - yes (the name of one of the book parts is something like "A or Not A" <g>), but it is not so about characters - for example Eddie and "Wet Nurse" <<2] Bizarre view of the relationship between the sexes,>> <snip> Here I agree - makes me sick, and not only in "Atlas Shrugged" <<I don't know if she herself had been abused in some fashion, but from this one sample I would guess so.>> Not, according to her biographies. (I am still wanting to read both Nathaniel Branden versions back-to-back) <<And as with most of the Harlequin Romance-type stories, I am always saddened/appalled that the 'heroine' seems to be unable to have genuine friendships with other women, but must derive 'all' her self-worth from her relationships with men. >> The idea is your self-worth from yourself. <SHRUG> <<4] Lack of community - at least to me, those who lived in the secret valley were kind of traveling in the same direction, but not as a true group/team.>> They worked together, their doings benefited each other, what's more? Kolhoz? <<5] Presumption - arrogance is expected in anyone who excels, but to dismiss all who do not hold your views as weak-minded or stupid is excessive.>> As any other "true believer" in "true religion". <<6] Nature as that-which-must-be-conquered -- the world has no value in itself, only for what Man can do with it. There was *no* sense of wonder, except for the creations of Man.>> But of course - Man's life is highest value. <G> << (I'll chalk up her ignorance of the environment's importance to the era in which she grew up - but that's perhaps overly generous.)>> According to some later essays by her and by her followers on this topic the idea is *of course* to build houses/roads are more important than keeping nature intact, but you have to think ahead also. As far as I understood the main problem are that environmentalists are going hand in hand with political left - and Ayn Rand followers are anything but. <<I do agree that personal responsibility and willingness to take (some) risks are admirable qualities.>> But there are nicer ways to write about them. :-) My recommendation - Kay Nolte Smith (inspite her being "excommunicated" <g>) <<She-Who-Has-No-Opinions Maru ;)>> Ilana, who has no idea who Maru is. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
