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A review by shanehawk
Myths about Ayn Rand: Popular Errors and the Insights They Conceal by David Kelley, Alexander R. Cohen, Laurie Rice, William R. Thomas
4.0
An Objective(ist) Look at Ayn Rand Strawmans
I entirely understand the valid criticisms of Ayn Rand, her philosophy and her politics. However, I’ve encountered numerous misrepresentations of her texts or views after telling people I’ve read “Anthem” and “The Fountainhead.” She’s a provocative figure in literature of the 20th century and I can understand why. Related: She uses the phrase “selfishness” in an unconventional way and at face value people scoff and disregard her further.
These short essays address the most egregious mistakes people make when presenting her views to refute them in an argument—one being she was a conservative or right-wing which is funny but understandable coming from someone unfamiliar. It’s worth a quick read for people who enjoy her literature and want to understand other viewpoints and see why those may be misguided and wrong. It could also be read by people who claim to hate her and her novels and allow them to re-evaluate their arguments and come from different, more objective angles.
I entirely understand the valid criticisms of Ayn Rand, her philosophy and her politics. However, I’ve encountered numerous misrepresentations of her texts or views after telling people I’ve read “Anthem” and “The Fountainhead.” She’s a provocative figure in literature of the 20th century and I can understand why. Related: She uses the phrase “selfishness” in an unconventional way and at face value people scoff and disregard her further.
These short essays address the most egregious mistakes people make when presenting her views to refute them in an argument—one being she was a conservative or right-wing which is funny but understandable coming from someone unfamiliar. It’s worth a quick read for people who enjoy her literature and want to understand other viewpoints and see why those may be misguided and wrong. It could also be read by people who claim to hate her and her novels and allow them to re-evaluate their arguments and come from different, more objective angles.