Who has read Ayn Rand?

[Savannahmann]

24. I read it.

I've read many books that going in I knew I would not agree with the conclusion or point of view. The purpose of reading it is not to be converted, but to be conversant on the subject when debating those who disagree with you. We can't insist that people read Earth in the Balance or other works we think are important if we do not understand their point of view.

I am surprised, you would dismiss an author without reading it. Would you also have the books banned? Because that was what many of the RW tried to do and have succeeded from time to time over the years. I especially like that they banned Fahrenheit 451 which is a book about banning books. We can't talk to the RW and engage the people in debate that may well change their minds if we don't understand what they are talking about. When they reference Ayn Rand you can't just say oh, I read an article, and thought she was a loon and anyone who reads her is a loon. You have to know what it is that she is saying, and what it is she is trying to get across.

I've read the English Language Koran, I've read books on The Buddha, I've read the Bible, and I've read many other books that I disagreed with the conclusions or the point of view. But I've read them, so I can speak of them intelligently. I wasn't aware that our side now opposed reading or expanding knowledge of the individual. I normally associate that sort of behavior with the other side of the political debate.

I've also read Democracy in America. I've read the Naval war of 1812 by Theodore Roosevelt. I've read Mahan, I've read Sun Tzu, I've read the Little Red Book, and I've read Mein Kampf. I was more impressed with some books than others. I was more impressed with the thinking of some, than others. Reading should be a love of everyone. And you should not limit yourself to books that reinforce your beliefs. Read books that challenge your beliefs, because after those books your beliefs come out stronger, because they have been challenged. Then your beliefs are based upon factual and principled reasons.