E24 - Admiration and Ability

A Socialist Reads Atlas Shrugged

Jonathan begins the episode by pointing out the topsy-turvy nature of which characters in the novel are at the top in terms of power but at the bottom in terms of morality. Following that introduction, Jonathan discusses the backstory information we get about Dagny Taggart and the ways that Dagny's heroism can be appealing regardless of your political ideology. This includes an explanation of the vital importance of "humility with a touch of future pride" in the beginning stages of professional life and building a respectful ethic of work (as opposed to work ethic). The definition of "dull" and "selfish" in Atlas Shrugged is very context-bound to the social norms of the 1950s. Jonathan also contrasts that to definitions of selfishness following the cultural trend of "greed is good" in the 1980s (spurred by the ideas of Milton Friedman: supply-side economics and neoliberalism). Thomas Piketty, writing in the second decade of the 21st century, provides overwhelming data to demonstrate the failure of supply-side economics.
My five themes to explore in this podcast's close read of Atlas Shrugged are:

1. What is human nature?
2. Straw-man arguments and their impact on the world Ayn Rand creates.
3. Dagny Taggart as a true hero.
4. How empathy can be de-legitimized.
5. What is Capitalism and what is wrong with it?

Questions or comments? Email me at: [e-mail]
Learn more about Jonathan Seyfried at their website, https://jonathanseyfried.art
If you'd like to support my creative work, please visit my Patreon page. (http://patreon.com/jonathanseyfried)
The intro/outro music was composed by John Sib.
The podcast theme image was created by Karina Bialy.

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