Styles2112 Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 (edited) Okay, so I realized I never really did a formal introduction. I've never really been quite sure what to say, and how to say it. But, after a couple months of thought, I think I have what I want to say. I was introduced to Ayn Rand through one avenue, split into two. My Father got me into listening to Rush as an early teenager playing drums. I was thoroughly hooked, not only by the music but, by the lyrics as well. Knowing this, and knowing how I struggled with the social relationships and cliques of school, he gave me "Anthem", "The Fountainhead," and "Atlas Shrugged" to read. I read "Anthem" and it completely hooked me. All the things I felt in school and life were simply brought out in an ingenius writing style that completely floored me. Against my Father's better judgement, I read "Atlas Shrugged" before "The Fountainhead (which I've still yet to read)." Atlas took me close to 3 years to read (partly because of regular high school reading, and the fact that, well, the first 400 pages or so are really boring.) I finally finished Atlas while at my MOS training with the military, but was somewhat confused by it. It probably didn't get me, as much, because of my personal detachment from it, yet still found it an amazing book. I decided to check out more info on Ayn Rand as to where her ideas came from and whatnot, which led me to Objectivism and this particular site. This was also while I was in the process of reading "The Virtue of Selfishness," which I've only recently finished. I don't know if I'll ever call myself an Objectivist, and even 'student of Objectivism' might be a bit much for me, but I do intend to further my readings of Ms. Rand. And, for all intent purposes, I agree with all the major premises she puts forth (the minor disagreements I have with her, in the end, have no real bearing on Objectivism anyways). Despite other readings that I've placed upon myself (I've got a pile of books about 10 high right now, to read), I intend to read "The Fountainhead" soon, and will probably follow that up with either "Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal," or "The Romantic Manifesto." I'm not sure how much I'm interested in reading beyond that, but that's enough to last me the next couple years given my life situation. Which brings me to my next point. More about me. I'm 24 years old and married to a beautiful, intelligent (though, somewhat socialist-leaning) woman who works as an Occupational Therapist. We have our first child due in April, to which I'm ECSTATIC about, as I can't wait to show this world and its possibilities to our child. I work for an Army Band in both a civilian and military capacity, and I really enjoy my job (well, most days!). I play and LOVE percussion, and music in general. I enjoy writing both lyrics and music, and I hope that someday you might hear my music on the radio, or be inspired to buy my album (non-existant) when it comes out (i.e. I hope to be famous). I'm a big advocate of always doing challenging music and not writing/performing the status quo. I really want to find the next big "sound" in music. I was also raised on a farm (at one point with 14 horses, 3 dogs, 1 sheep, 13 chickens, and 30 some-odd cats) and am an avid animal lover (I just rescued a dog who was roaming the streets, and was going to be put down by the dog warden, because most people won't adopt a large random dog...and this guy is a very sweet and lovable dog. Which currently gives me two dogs, two cats and three horses, though two of the horses are with my parents until my wife and I can afford to get some property in CT or move somewhere where the cost of living isn't so high.) I also enjoy playing video games, playing/watching football, and watching "Bones" and "House" on TV. If you have any other questions about me, don't hesitate to ask, and I'll do my best to answer. Have a great one!! Edited December 13, 2005 by Styles2112 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
softwareNerd Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 Long time, no welcome. So, welcome to the forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Styles2112 Posted December 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 Long time, no welcome. So, welcome to the forum! Thank you. I have to say, since I've been here, I really enjoy reading your posts (along with AisA's). I definitely get a lot to think about, from my readings here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristopherSchlegel Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 ...I read "Atlas Shrugged" before "The Fountainhead (which I've still yet to read)... You STILL haven't?! Put that one at the top of your list, man! ...I intend to read "The Fountainhead" soon... Oh, whew... Good idea! We have our first child due in April, to which I'm ECSTATIC about, as I can't wait to show this world and its possibilities to our child. Congrats! That's wonderful. I play and LOVE percussion, and music in general. I know that's true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Styles2112 Posted December 14, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2005 You STILL haven't?! Put that one at the top of your list, man! I forgot to mention that you're the other member whose posts I greatly enjoy reading. Sorry for that slip-up! Yeah...Right now it's third in my list of books. I'll be happy to get back to her fiction, as well. Right now I have to get through "Elderest" (Already started) and a book on running that my wife bought for me (I have to run for the Army, and I hate, and suck at, running.) After "The Fountainhead," I should probably read the book that my father-in-law lent me about a family that moved from Germany and became billionares through Capitalism. I'm not sure about it, though, as it's as long as "Atlas Shrugged" and about subjects I don't find terribly interesting. I just feel somewhat obligated, as he went through the effort to lend it to me. Although, I'm going to return the favor and lend him "Atlas Shrugged." And, I forgot to mention, one of my goals with music, is to bring the musicality of percussion to the forefront. Most people don't realize how musical percussion is and can be, and simply dismiss it as primitive pounding. I seek to change this view. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Styles2112 Posted December 19, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 After "The Fountainhead," I should probably read the book that my father-in-law lent me about a family that moved from Germany and became billionares through Capitalism. I'm not sure about it, though, as it's as long as "Atlas Shrugged" and about subjects I don't find terribly interesting. I was wrong about this book, they never actually come to America. According to my Father-in-law it is about capatalism, though. Family business. Called,"The Arms of Krupp" by William Manchester. I (for lack of reading it) cannot comment on whether it is good or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
non-contradictor Posted December 20, 2005 Report Share Posted December 20, 2005 Hello there! Welcome to the forum! I remember you from last year when I was more active. I haven't been keeping up with the goings on here much at all. But anyway, a belated welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Styles2112 Posted February 6, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 Thank You! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Technocratic_Utilitarian Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 Why hello there. I have not read many books by Rand, but I have read a few. Personally, I think Anthem was well done, but I cannot say I enjoy much of her writing style. I find it a bit dry and preachy, but to each his own. I would recomend Anthem to anyone though; like I said, that one was entertaining. Could have been longer, but meh. What can one do with a novella? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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