Her last work and greatest seller was Atlas Shrugged.  It tells the story of successful people who keep disappearing mysteriously.  As it turns out, these successful people are sick of the government taking their ideas, their profits, and their genius.  They are gathering in a remote gulch and hope to later save the nation.  Their leader is John Galt.

Many have argued that Atlas Shrugged is second only to the Bible in terms of influence.  I think they are right. It has provided the intellectual fire for those people who worry about jack-booted storm-troopers in black helicopters.  Reflecting her own escape from Russia during the Bolshevik revolution (when the un-elected central government did indeed become an instrument of oppression), Rand has now created three generations who live in fear of the government – even one that is elected by the people.

But, those are people who have not read her many other works.  The theme of those works is not that government is evil, but that every person is responsible for himself and should stand up against conformity or public opinion.  That is the Ayn Rand I still love!

Two years ago, a movie was made of the first half of Atlas Shrugged.  While the fight to get that movie made is in itself worthy of another movie, critics panned it, and theater-goers stayed away in droves.  (I confess I also thought it was a bit shrill and plastic, with characters as shallow as finger-nails.)  Still, it is good news that the second half of the book has now been filmed and will be released October 12, 2012.  I’m confident it will be better than the first.

If you see it, don’t forget that Rand was only distrustful of the government but didn’t despise it.  Her message is not to stand up to the government but to stand up for yourself . . . now, go see the movie!  I’ll see you there!!