The Genius Of Ayn Rand

I don't use the word genius lightly, but Ayn Rand certainly had genius. These books celebrate the glory of man - man as hero, as God; where his highest aspiration is to himself and his own happiness. Rand argues her own philosophy, Objectivism, through these novels; with the central theme being selfishness as a virtue. Not the current societal impression of selfishness, but the idea that man's most precious gift is his work - not in giving his work to others, but in the act of creation itself.

I can't explain it well enough to do it justice. Although I read Atlas Shrugged first (which was actually published after The Fountainhead), I actually enjoyed the latter more - it's core tenet seems less diluted. It has it's four major protagonist's - the hero, the woman who deserves the hero, the 'second-hander' villain, and the man who nearly achieved the title of hero, but who ultimately succumbed to his own desire of dominion over other men.

Please read these books! You can find out more about Ayn Rand and Objectivism by following these links: The Fountainhead | Atlas Shrugged