Book #6: Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand
Looters and moochers are systematically destroying industry and the economic vitality of the United States. Rather than providing a utopian society of “Each according to their need, each according to their ability,” the policies of economic collectivism are destroying individual and national prosperity, the order of community and the dignity of its citizens. As leaders of major industries disappear Taggart Transcontinental Railroad resists the socialization of the railroad and struggles against the forces of the looters and moochers. But who is John Galt?
This book is a good example of the consequences of socialism and the value of free market economics commonly termed capitalism. Ayn Rand wrote this treatise as an expression of her own philosophy of life and economics. But it is also a narrated apologetic defending the merits of capitalism. It wrestles with issues of wealth disparity, ethics of redistribution and greed. Is it right for some to have more than others? Is money the root of all evil? The danger of socialism and the benefit of free market economics is best explained by Francisco d’Anconia,”When money ceases to be the tool by which men deal with one another, then men become the tools of men. Blood, whips and guns – or dollars. Take your choice – there is no other.” This book is a personification of the idea that free market economics provides the most dignity, freedom and prosperity to the most people.
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