Jonathan begins this episode by discussing gift-giving from an anthropological perspective. For the article on gift-giving from the Cambridge Encyclopedia of Anthropology, click here. Jonathan then analyzes the reactions of Hank Rearden's family to his gift to Lillian of the bracelet made from Rearden Metal. Next Jonathan discusses the absence of parental love in the novel. Lastly, the exploration widens to thinking about what the portrayal of family in Atlas Shrugged signals regarding Ayn Rand's larger worldview.

My five themes to explore in this podcast's close read of Atlas Shrugged are:

1. What is human nature?
2. Straw-man arguments and their impact on the world Ayn Rand creates.
3.  Dagny Taggart as a true hero.
4. How empathy can be de-legitimized.
5. What is Capitalism and what is wrong with it? 

Questions or comments? Email me at: [email protected]

Learn more about Jonathan Seyfried at their website, https://jonathanseyfried.art

If you'd like to support my creative work, please visit my Patreon page.

The intro/outro music was composed by John Sib.

The podcast theme image was created by Karina Bialys.

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