Editor's Desk, by Robert James Bidinotto
by Robert James Bidinotto"Who is John Galt?"
With that enigmatic question, Ayn Rand opened one of the greatest and most influential novels ever written, and launched a philosophic revolution.
This October marks the fiftieth anniversary of Atlas Shrugged, Rand’s masterwork. Since the individualist philosophy embedded in its every page constitutes the framework of principles for this magazine, it’s only fitting that we publish this special tribute issue devoted almost entirely to Atlas in its many facets: as a philosophical novel, as literature, as prophecy, as a socio-political blueprint.
Each of the contributors to this issue can claim many years of intimate familiarity with the book. Roger Donway may hold our in-house record, having first read the book in the early 1960s, then many times since. In his “Private I” column, Roger opens this issue with an incisive overview of the novel’s many strengths and occasional shortcomings. Later, Roger focuses on Rand’s distinctive moral defense of businessmen as America’s “persecuted minority.”
Roger introduced the novel to his brother Walter Donway, who also became an instant fan. Walter has previously graced us with his poetry; this time, he pays homage to the novel’s author in elegant, evocative verse, written a couple of years ago to mark Ayn Rand’s 100th birthday. I hope you’ll spend even a fraction of the time savoring it that Walter spent crafting it.
Will Thomas, director of programs for The Atlas Society, is next up, granting Atlas Shrugged an honored position amid the constellation of stellar philosophical novels. Rand’s self-described “stunt novel,” he argues persuasively, is not only a worthy companion to great philosophical fiction works; in many respects, it’s sui generis.
In “The Revolutionary Philosophy of Atlas Shrugged,” I try to summarize the novel’s essential themes and messages. And in “Atlas Shrugged as Literature,” I also give Rand her due as a great literary craftsman, something few writers and critics have been willing to do.
Then Ed Hudgins weighs in on Atlas Shrugged’s extraordinarily accurate record as social prophecy. Rand was way ahead of her time in predicting cultural trends, and Ed explains why. He also resumes his series of reviews about the great television documentaries of the past, this time the late Milton Friedman’s outstanding celebration of the virtues of capitalism, Free to Choose.
David Kelley, our resident philosopher-king, has allowed me to reprint (with slight updating) a wonderful essay he wrote ten years ago for the fortieth anniversary of the novel: “A Philosophy for the 21st Century.” David explains eloquently Atlas Shrugged’s abiding relevance for our lives today, and why the novel is certain to speak to generations to come.
Next, philosopher Shawn Klein, co-editor of the delightful Harry Potter and Philosophy: If Aristotle Ran Hogwarts, probes Tara’s Smith’s recent book, Ayn Rand’s Normative Ethics. And entertainment editor Robert L. Jones reports that Bruce Willis’s new film, Live Free or Die Hard, is one of the best action flicks in years.
Every fan of Atlas Shrugged has a tale to tell about how he first encountered the novel. For what it’s worth, I close this issue with my own remembrance of that first reading, and the impact it had on me. Perhaps for others it may evoke nostalgia. Or perhaps inspire them to read the novel, if they haven’t.
Which would be the best thing this tribute could accomplish.