When I was 16, they seemed like perfect human heros. On further reflection, her heros seem more like depraved, but talented narcissists.
I don't mention Atlas Shrugged in casual company anymore. There are two responses. One, some hippie starts yelling at me, or two some hippie starts explaining how he is moving to an island in the Gulf of Alaska and will withhold his considerable talents from society. Can't say why whenever I am in casual company and mention Ayn Rand suddenly there are so many hippies.