The threads seems to be getting shorter as the weeks drag on. I think it is a function of the way Rand keeps reiterating the same themes, and we’ve drawn the parallels to current events already. I always hope to find some insight that has been overlooked.....alas.
This morning at mass, the first reading was from Acts of the Apostles, and the disciples were exhorted to sell their belongings, come up with a communal bank account, and give “each according to need”. I gave a mental hiss. No wonder religion is held in such contempt by Rand. Then, on the way out, I promptly donated to the Little Sisters of the Poor, who take care of the elderly and disabled. I applaud their work, so I guess I wouldn’t be welcome in that spoiler-place. But I do detest the idea of “each according to need” as a general way of living....why would anyone bother getting up to go to work if you got what you needed anyway?
I digress from the chapter. I think life would be far more interesting if more people told the Congressional hearings to “stuff it”, since by participating, they are lending credibility to pure political grandstanding. I applauded Hank Rearden, but where are those heroes today?
Francisco’s speech? I agree that it works in a perfect world. And to an extent, you check out people’s spouses to see how well they did. It can be an outward manifestation of their own opinion of themselves. I don’t like Francisco’s implied monasticism if you don’t obtain your ideal.
I noticed this as well. As long as the salient points are addressed the final result will still be a benefit to any freeper who reads AS in the future.
I always hope to find some insight that has been overlooked.....alas.
Sometimes the story leads us into otherwise unexplored areas apart from the story. One example is this quote that I happened to find while doing research on philosophy -
"don't express your ideas too clearly. most people think little of what they understand, and venerate what they do not. to be valued, things must be difficult: if they can't understand you, people will think more highly of you. ...keep them guessing at your meaning, and don't give them a chance to criticize you. many praise without being able to say why. they venerate anything hidden or mysterious, and they praise it because they heard it praised."
-- balthasar gracian, the art of worldy wisdom
(trans. christopher maurer)
I find in the above a partial answer to the question that I have about the vaporous qualities of the liberal politicians answers. It always bothered me that they never answered a question concretely as I expected them to. Now I understand that this is a lack of understanding on my part. They never will give a satisfactory answer and the more that I try to extract an answer, the farther into the hole I go.
...I promptly donated to the Little Sisters of the Poor, who take care of the elderly and disabled. I applaud their work, so I guess I wouldn’t be welcome in...
Don't be at all critical of this donation. The fact is that _You_ wanted to donate the money. This is entirely compatible with Rands philosophy. If you hold a door open for someone, is it because you are told to do it or because you want to do it? I submit that you donated the money because you like the feeling it gives you, such is Rands definition of selfishness.