Today marks my first year in this "sliver of an island that is the center of everything," in the words of my friend, Oliver—who, turns out, is currently immersed in the pages of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged.I still remember the first time I'd picked up The Fountainhead, also by the author. At nineteen, and in the middle of college, I had just moved out from living with relatives and I'd popped by my dad's office to let him know I would be occupying his unused room in the apartment he shared with his sister.
"Buy this book, it has everything you need to know," he said, referring to the thick novel I'd seen around growing up, but never really bothered to pick up because, well, it was... quite hefty. But when I got past the first 100 pages, I knew why my dad had purposefully written its name on a little sheet of paper and sent me to the nearest National Bookstore to make the purchase (with his money, presumably).
True enough, the two books above have helped shape the way I've lived my life for the last 10 years—personally and most importantly, professionally. It's hard to explain in just one entry the philosophy behind these novels. Basically, they herald one's performing in full capacity, getting the job done silently, passionately, and being a good citizen/employee/friend, minus the hooplah and drama.
Ayn Rand is famous for this philosophy of "objectivism." But what makes her work in Fountainhead and Atlas groundbreaking is that she was able to integrate the complicated philosophical musings into intricate, entertaining stories—with richly-drawn characters you either aspire to be or cringe to be. In recent months, I have been amazed at how she was able to put into words certain observations I've made personally from living in the U.S.
So now I am onto rereading these books, and hopefully, be inspired and motivated once more by what they represent. These, along with a steadfast faith in God and a strong belief that life is good, life is abundant, I know I'll be looking forward to more happy anniversaries in the future.
what a coincidence, i was just looking out for a new book to read
ReplyDeleteAlas we must live in a parallel universe, eh? Read Fountainhead first before Atlas Shrugged. Atlas is supposed to sort of pick up from where Fountainhead left off :)
ReplyDeleteGosh, I just can't read these books. I've tried. And I think I'm so smart pa naman! Well, I tried reading them kasi while I'm in the parlor. The noise and the smells just aren't conducive. Will try again...
ReplyDeleteHi Neighbor! Yup they're for bedside reading :) Or bakasyon. In the parlor you should read the magazines... but that might feel like work for you hehe.
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