RoR: Forum

Orion,
It seems the reviews you frequently post are not your own. Does that mean you've read these books yourself ? Might I perhaps suggest that instead of cutting-and-pasting that you tell us in your own words why the books you're recommending might be attractive to an Objectivist, and let us know your own assessment of their value for you? Just asking.

Post 1

Sunday, October 17, 2004 - 2:04pm

Peter,

Every book I post, I've read. What's more, I also own them.

However, unless I read a review that I think is wanting, I just cut and paste. But I do write my own reviews on occasion.

I just felt that you folks would like to hear about these books I've enjoyed.

Post 2

Sunday, October 17, 2004 - 3:30pm

Orion, I know you do just cut and paste; I was wondering why?

Nothing wrong at all with letting us know about these books, but it seems to me it would be a lot more valuable if you yourself review them - in other words, let us know why the books you're recommending might be attractive to an Objectivist audience, and perhaps also let us know your assessment of their value for you.

Post 3

Sunday, October 17, 2004 - 8:10pm

Well, okay...

Since you ask, I basically feel the same way as the person who wrote the book jacket description...

and in addition, I think that this book was great, because it was such a seamy and painfully exhaustive look at the underbelly of the human psyche. Honestly, I see many of my own strategies in this book, but at the same time I don't really think I employ them to accomplish the painfully cynical, barren, and cutthroat things that the exemplified characters in this book do.

I have to really be put in some dire straits, before I'll start acting like this. It's real tooth and claw living, in that book.

The book was also important to me, in order to discover the secret mentality and motives behind all those most destructive people who have passed through my life. It has always been very traumatic for me, all the ghastly horrible people that I've had to encounter and been scarred by. A book like this helps me to know what I'm really up against, in terms of the kinds of actual intents out there, and perhaps how to guard against them.

Is that what you were looking for?

(Edited by Orion Reasoner on 10/17, 8:18pm)

Post 4

Sunday, October 17, 2004 - 8:16pm

I also want to comment on this, that you said:

Orion, I know you do cut and paste; I was just wondering why?

Well, that seems obvious to me... I thought I made this clear in my first response... but basically my rationale is: why should I reinvent the wheel? I mean, if a perfectly accurate review of the book has already been done, why do I have to sit there and think of something clever to say, simply to make it "mine"? I'm not one for cosmetic effort, and it gets tiresome.

I mean, if I endorse the review and give credit to where I found it, I consider them my thoughts by proxy.

On the other hand, if there's some missing element that you're looking for that isn't in the book review, then yes, I guess I do have to type something up.

(Edited by Orion Reasoner on 10/17, 8:23pm)

Post 5

Thursday, October 28, 2004 - 3:09pm

I have read this book. This book is true to the spirit of men like Ellsworth Toohey or Gail Wynand. It is a guide for how to climb your way up the ladder of power, i.e. power over others. The premise of the book is that morality is for the weak, and pragmatism is the order of the day. It is not true to the spirit of Objectivism. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it as a window to the minds of those who think in terms of power. I especially appreciated the historical case studies. Take it for what it's worth, but don't expect this to be on any list of recommended reading for Objectivists.

Post 6

Thursday, October 28, 2004 - 7:04pm

Byron,

I suggested this book because it is a cautionary glimpse into the very real mindset of the Machiavellian... a mindset that we will all be victimized by, unless we learn to detect it through understanding.

Post 7

Monday, February 14, 2005 - 3:47am