Seriously, objectivism itself has solidified my childhood perception of morality. I always knew that the "put others first (even strangers)", "sacrifice your hapiness" and "being responsible for the well being of every lazy, immoral riffraff" mentality was a bullshit cop-out for people who can't take responsibility from the age of 10. BTW Kiwiol, we need to start a Team Rand, guy.
PJim, Rand is one of the most influential writers of any era, for good reason.
Ed Snyder, owner of the Philadelphia Flyers, Sixers, etc. is a huge fan of Rand. I once sat with him in his personal box at a Flyers game and we barely watched the game, as we were engaged in a discussion on objectivisim (2000 or 2001).
Team Rand would be a good idea.
My take on objectivism has helped form my views on charity, as it is best done anonymously, not forced by the government through assistance programs (this issue is sort of hot in my mind during this time of year, when I personally choose to help families in need--I do not seek recognition).
Interesting that Anton LaVey was a huge advocate of Rand, yet dead-set against traditional notions of religion; I don't feel the two are mutually exclusive.
Regarding Blood and Guts, it is a very good book, especially where Dorian speaks of healthy fats in the diet. I have a copy that a much older lifter gave me about 7 years ago. I was a bit better built at the time, as I was living with the parents, and training in a fully equipped Nautilus/Hammer Strength/free weight basement that I personally outfitted with the best equipment for training, selecting each piece carefully (trap bars, Buffalo bar, neck machine, Nautilus plate loaded pullover, etc.). I don't get to train there as often as I would like, but I am getting back on the horse with better dietary knowledge and no attempt to look huge, which I actually think is a key part of getting huge.
