Imagine if Atlas Shrugged was required reading at the age of 10. I understand the atheistic bent in the novel but what is worse, not knowing the foundation of the capitalist system or learning that man is primarily a rational human being.
I know there are millions of evangelicals who would argue that the latter is worse but I would argue that at least you would have the Bible and church to teach the spiritual viewpoint of life to at least place God as the anchor of the rationality. But with regards to the knowledge of the capitalistic system (fiction) and a repudiation of socialism and collectivism is there any better novel than Atlas Shrugged?
I know that statement will generate ire, so let me give an example. You own an apartment and your renter is a day late. You contact them and say, "Your late, Get out!" He says, "I can pay tommorrow". Do you throw them out and wait for another renter, or wait to see if they pay"? There has to be some rational mercy to make capitalism work, otherwise it will be overthrown by another system, socialism. You may have the right to enforce the contract, but is that the best business sense? I think Jesus makes us slower to anger and more reasonable beings. Ayn Rand makes us into cold robotic type beings with no compassion.
Her principles are explained in he writings and show an "in your face" type of capitalism that is needed for some to understand the differences from other systems. Many today think food stamps and welfare programs are part of the capitalist system. Others seem to think Jesus would want this. Jesus taught that the CHURCH was responsible for the poor, not government. Telling someone where the welfare office is, is not what Jesus was looking for. Jesus didn't teach this and Ayn Rand certainly didn't teach this. Lennin, Stalin, and Mao, did, however.
Young people really do need to be given more books that affirm the principles of capitalism. But, imho, ten would be too young for reading “Atlas Shrugged”. There are some graphic descriptions of sex in the novel, and the story suggests sleeping with one partner after another is OK. That’s the main reason why I won’t even let our 13yo read it.
What book would be appropriate, though, I wonder? Some of us are giving our children books like, “What Ever Happened to Penny Candy?” which explains economics in an easy-to-understand way. But, what kind of novels out there for young people celebrate capitalism...? Just wondering if anyone knows.