The Common Reader

Is Atlas Shrugged the new vibe?

18 snips
Jan 18, 2025
Hollis Robbins, former dean of humanities at Utah University and a scholar of literature, dives deep into the enduring impact of Ayn Rand’s 'Atlas Shrugged.' She discusses how modern entrepreneurs like Elon Musk are influenced by Rand's ideas. The conversation explores themes of moral integrity, individualism, and the complexities of relationships within the novel. Robbins emphasizes the need to reconsider Rand’s contributions beyond ideology, urging listeners to engage with her literary artistry and its relevance in today's socio-political landscape.
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ANECDOTE

Formative Novels

  • The host's first novels were Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead.
  • These books shaped their perspective before reading classics like Dickens or Austen.
INSIGHT

First Impressions

  • Hollis Robbins read Atlas Shrugged at age 38, despite hearing it was "badly written".
  • She found the book surprisingly enjoyable and engaging.
INSIGHT

Modern Relevance

  • Atlas Shrugged is relevant today due to its influence on the right, from Reagan to the modern libertarian movement.
  • Entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Marc Andreessen, who are involved in government, have been influenced by Rand.
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