I have read the Fountainhead by Ayn R, the same author and a similar kind of book naturally made me read this book.
Today I have forgot how the story began, as it has taken a long time to read the book. I take this opportunity to apologise to all lovers of books, but I did not want to miss this book from the library once I found the book, nor had I enough time to devote as it was my MBA exams.
While I started reading the book, to the time I completed it. The time taken was 4 months, quite a long time by any standards. But, throughout I was able to feel the essence of the book. 5 of my colleagues resigned, and one of the machinery was affected so much, that I call him and say, "Our machine cries with your name."
Although I am not sure the position is like John Galt and team leaving the world and going for strike, but when a lots of your people leave you, for reasons of the same kind.. you will necessarily feel the impact. You might start feeling like Dagny Taggart. These friends on Net, through emails and through the Mobile Telephone keep on telling you about the lovely Valley they are in!
I do not know what was the reason for Ayn R to write the book. She seems to be hell against about Mystics, socialists and all these ideas. While India is referred to as a part of an active unit, eventhough as a mystic loving country. And yes, necessarily, after reading the book, everyone will second her opinion.
Dagny Taggart’s daring ways are great, so are Hank Rearden’s. John Galt’s are far superior and its difficult for a common man.
The Hero of the story is Dagny Taggart. She lives for the love of herself and for the love of things that are hers . She would have stayed back in the valley but for railroad and Hank. Her total character is clear and transparent, and eventhough we Indians may feel it awkward that she has loved two great gentlemen (her love to Fransisco may be taken as Infatuation, more than love), it does not seem as Awkward in the story itself.
Hank Rearden is a rare character, he is never rear. i.e. Behind. But is the rearwheel of a bicycle, the energy is converted into motion here. So is Hank’s. He converts his Metal into energy and also pledges the property to save Dagny from the disgrace. He keeps taking care of his wife Lillian and that is also good. He never hates her anytime, till he meets Dagny that too because Lillian wants his money not his work., his greatness, his effort, his zeal. He likes his mills like any creator who would.
Fransisco D’Anconia is a confusing character unless you read it to the end and keep in touch with the story clearly. His speech at the party is really wonderful. After reading that speech, I felt I should give this copy to all those who proclaim against power and wealth, but do not leave till they get their fees. Its really an eye opener to all those who preach that material wealth is something that should be shrugged at and use mobile phones and distribute their cards at the end of the sermon.
John Galt’s Character is too difficult. I dreaded him. Dreaded him for taking away the people from brainfull people away. Hated him because, it was through him that Hank Rearden’s Mills and Taggart’s trains went abegging. I felt he was a danger, by the way some intellectuals went away from my place. Oh I dont want the second Innings of John Galt. Please... if John Galt does come he should be limited to the pre 20th century company days.His motor may be really useful.
I am waiting for it!!!
Coming to the effort taken to read this book, this borrowed book, was very old, and it was a great effort to read this book for me. For most of the book was old, the paper was getting teared, and I had to staple paper to paper in an effort not to miss the pages. (1074 pages of wisdom, going away?) I shrugged, is Atlas really shrugging?
Let Atlas never shrug and there may be no Atlantis valley!