How Could Ayn Rand Have Known

Movies have the same effect. I know we all have our favorite movies that we watch over and over. Usually it's because of how those movies make us feel.

I seem to go through fits and starts in my life. Reading is that way for me. At least reading books that is. I recently started reading a new book for the first time in about 6 months. It's one I've had on my personal "to read" list for several years.

It's Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. What I particularly like about this book (and I'm only on about page 450 out of over 1,000!) is that it was originally published in 1957 and it was set in the near future. So it has the ability to bring you back but also have you look forward to a potential future.

One thing that is very striking in the book is that it is set in tough economic times and there is a watering down of capitalism. The railroads are colluding to stop competition. Progress has slowed to nearly a grinding halt. Most steel and manufacturing plants are struggling or shut down. The oil companies are thriving. Business leaders are talking about doing what's right for society as a whole as their top mission.

I think I'll use some of the characters from Atlas Shrugged to highlight points in the future. Ms. Rand does a fantastic job of developing what appear on the surface to be very extreme characters. Underneath though, they're all deep, human, and vulnerable. The book covers many different areas of business and life, from leadership to customer service to the shear grind it takes to be successful at something you love.

Another thing. It's the first non-business book I've read in probably 10 years. I think I'm going to make it a habit to alternate my books. One business and then some non-business related novel or book. It seems good to keep the brain fresh that way. Let me know if you have any suggestions.