Re:Erik Naggum on Atlas Shrugged
by grandalf on Wednesday January 13, 2010 @03:29AM
(#1049739)
I think you are reading way too much into that scene.
There are lots of characters who have changes of heart, just not the abrupt kind you are used to. Rearden starts out serving and appreciating his family, but finally realizes that they hate and resent him... Painfully, he decides to pursue his dreams even though his mother and wife are profoundly hurt by his decision. What began as a guilty pleasure turned (appropriately) into a great labor of love.
The book is full of exaggerations and is intended to portray an unrealistic world ... and it works to illustrate Rand's philosphical concepts.
If you look at the world as you seem to, then you might as well defend murderers and genocidal dictators, for they are just innocent holders of beliefs, etc.
There are lots of characters who have changes of heart, just not the abrupt kind you are used to. Rearden starts out serving and appreciating his family, but finally realizes that they hate and resent him... Painfully, he decides to pursue his dreams even though his mother and wife are profoundly hurt by his decision. What began as a guilty pleasure turned (appropriately) into a great labor of love.
The book is full of exaggerations and is intended to portray an unrealistic world ... and it works to illustrate Rand's philosphical concepts.
If you look at the world as you seem to, then you might as well defend murderers and genocidal dictators, for they are just innocent holders of beliefs, etc.