“There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old’s life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs."
Quote by John Rogers in comment by Akadjian.
I read both of these books in my late teens. I have to admit I thought capitalism and conservatism were the way to go. I grew up in smalltown, Texas. In the fifties of 20th century America; the economy and our town was booming. We had a town drunk, a crazy man who walked the streets, going nowhere but neither one was homeless. We had the requisite 10% black people and two Mexicans that I remember. That was the extent of our diversity. Being a voracious reader, I couldn't envision myself remaining there the rest of my life. In time, I left for College. Encountering the real world, real ideas and real people was like an electric shock to me. Like after EST, my whole viewpoint was altered and like a minor epiphany I realized that Ayn Rand was as full of crap as a Christmas goose. It's why I became a lifelong progressive socialist democrat. I never got rich but mainly because I invested in children instead of stocks and real estate. I have never regretted that choice. If I was 18 and knowing where I am now, I would do exactly the same thing. Nothing could replace the pride I feel at their accomplishments, their children and their love.
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