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Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - 6:16pmSanction this postReply
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I have the creeping suspicion that the author of the article isn't a big fan of Rand.

Note how the author cites the growing demand of "inspirational" works such as Mein Kampf along side India's fascination with Rand.

Additionally, why do journalists insist on using religious terminology when describing Rand and her works. Note the use of the words "high priestess of free-market capitalism" and "cult". Is this an attempt to undermine Rands ideas by associating them with mysticism? I know some of her "followers" act cultish at times, but it is still strange (and deceptive) to attribute their behavior to her philosophy.


Also, I think the reason for her popularity in India is her ideas of individualism, freedom, anti-authoritarianism.

These ideas contrast wonderfully with India's dominant ideas which support collectivism and obedience.

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Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - 8:19pmSanction this postReply
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I can attest to the statement that Rand was popular in India some 30 or 40 years ago. I had an Indian programmer working for me and he was fully conversant with Atlas Shrugged and told me that all his friends in India were, too. Unfortunately he didn't live by the philosophy in dealing with a client and I had to let him go. His last words to me were, "God damn Ayn Rand." 

Sam


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Thursday, May 31, 2012 - 4:45amSanction this postReply
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Ayn Rand did say she deliberately chose some of the "language" of religion such as "spirit" and "soul" to represent the highest and best of the humanly possible. So I suppose her critics can latch onto that and then drop context and misconstrue her philosophy as a "cult religion." Dishonesty knows no bounds.

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