Welcome Craig! You are ahead of me ... it took me to my 50s to find Atlas Shrugged, but like you, it was profound. For me it crystalized many thoughts that I couldn't quite nail down.

Some of AR's non-fiction helped bring those thoughts into further focus. A lot of the non-fiction stuff is available online if you search for it. Highly recommended, and it might help you understand your philosophical differences. Might not change your mind, but that's ok too.

Excellent. Another self-realized! Glad to see you here!

Welcome to the Gulch, Goliath (Craig - a name that rocks since Craig (Gaelic) means Rock (English)). The Gulch was started years ago to promote and discuss the "Atlas Shrugged" movie trilogy and everything else Ayn Rand and evolved into a discussion board of much else, like the invitation "Ask The Gulch!" implies. Have fun and enjoy your stay.

So, you are coming of age. It takes time and experience and quiet time to evaluate.

There is simplicity beyond the complex concerning Rand, The Objectivist's Ethics was delivered in Feb of 1961. This is the 20+ page essay that is the condensate of Atlas, and the cleanest foundation of all her works. It is the first essay in the book The Virtue of Selfishness.

If you take the essay on with serious diligence you shall find yourself challenging all your belief structures.

Welcome to the fray!