“(LuAnn) Whatever. That'll teach me not to build my life around a man whose favorite book is Atlas Shrugged. Listen, kid." She waggles her finger, as if scolding me. "Nothing good comes from Ayn RAnd. Trust me on this.”
In this quote, Abby McDonald expresses her disillusionment with a relationship and her disdain for the philosophical ideas found in Ayn Rand's work, particularly her novel "Atlas Shrugged". This reaction reflects broader societal views on Rand's philosophy and its implications on personal relationships.
The opening phrase, “Whatever. That'll teach me not to build my life around a man whose favorite book is Atlas Shrugged,” indicates a sense of regret and resignation. Abby seems to have invested emotionally in someone who embodies values she finds problematic. The choice of words conveys frustration, suggesting that she feels betrayed not just by her partner but also by the principles he represents through his admiration of Rand's work.
Next, the directive “Listen, kid,” introduces a sense of authority or wisdom in Abby's voice. By addressing the listener in this way, she positions herself as experienced and offering cautionary advice. This phrase acts as a bridge to her more serious critique of Rand’s philosophy.
Her assertion, “Nothing good comes from Ayn Rand. Trust me on this,” is a powerful condemnation. Abby’s words suggest that she believes Rand's philosophy, which often emphasizes individualism and self-interest, can lead to negative outcomes in personal relationships and societal values. This perspective resonates with those who argue that Rand's ideas can foster selfishness at the expense of genuine human connection.
Overall, Abby's statement reflects a deep-seated skepticism towards the ideas espoused by Ayn Rand and serves as a caution against the dangers of prioritizing such philosophies in personal life. It underscores the tension between individualism and the values inherent in meaningful relationships, making it a thought-provoking social commentary.
“I can't get past the strange contradiction that seems to lurk behind everything we do. Because no matter what, or who, we end up choosing, all of us feel like we've failed somehow. Kayla feels guilty for planning a future with Blake; Dominique feels guilty that she won't with Carlos. LuAnn dropped everything to make it work with her guy, and I'm filled with shame every time I think about how I did the same thing, building my life around Garrett without realizing it then working just as hard to take that version of my life apart, piece by piece. So how are we supposed to win? On the one hand, the world tells us that capital-L Love is epic, and all conquering, and the meaning of everything, but on the other it drills us with this message that we shouldn't make any sacrifice or effort to pursue it, because that would make us weak, unempowered, desperate, silly girls.”
“I curl my fingers into my palm to make up for the fact that they're not wrapped around his.”
“How could I have been so stupid? All this time, I've been certain he feels the same way about me. I was so sure that my feelings were requited that I'd convinced myself he was just getting up the courage to confess. But I was wrong. Garrett's feelings for me are nothing but friendship - plain, simple, and overwhelmingly platonic. I built his love out of thin air, I realize in horror - crafted it from e-mails and late-night conversations as if my sheer will would make it so.It was all in my head. Again!”
“I can't keep doing this to myself, getting my hopes up so high, only to have them come crashing down. I can't keep waiting for him to come to his senses, having my whole emotional state rest on what he decides. What if he never wakes up to how perfect we'd be together? What if I spend another year pining for him - or longer even? In a terrible flash, I see my future stretching out before me: waiting for his calls, rearranging my life around college visits, and decoding texts and instant messages like they could be something real, something true.This isn't love; this is pure torment.”
“He'll never compose whole odes to my beauty and grace. He'll never show up with a boom box to reenact Say Anything outside my window. He'll never drive over at three a.m. because I'm sick and can't sleep and just want to feel his arms around me.”
“You can die of a broken heart -- it's scientific fact -- and my heart has been breaking since that very first day we met. I can feel it now, aching deep behind my rib cage the way it does every time we're together, beating a desperate rhythm: Love me. Love me. Love me.”