E37 - Everybody Loves Frankie

A Socialist Reads Atlas Shrugged

This episode focuses on the first scenes presented about Francisco d'Anconia's childhood interactions with the Taggart family, especially Dagny. Jonathan analyzes the friendship dynamics between Francisco, Dagny, and Eddie. Then, when Francisco attempts to test their mettle as an anonymous call boy for the train, we see the temptation that we all have to get an evaluation of our skills apart from our inherited or social background. Jonathan asserts that this is an illusion because of the socially embedded nature of identity, skills, and culture. There are interesting parallels between this episode in Francisco's story and Ayn Rand's biography. Beyond that illusion, though, Francisco does display admirable grit and perseverance. But does Jim deserve the humiliation that Francisco often instigates? In this context, Jonathan mentions Jean Jacques Rousseau's book on education, Emile. At the end of the episode, Jonathan delves into the psychological and cultural implications of Francisco's decision to keep his railroad work secret from Dagny.
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: [e-mail]
Learn more about Jonathan Seyfried at their website, https://jonathanseyfried.art
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The intro/outro music was composed by John Sib.
The podcast theme image was created by Karina Bia

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