How a fictional book serves as my REI Manifesto

According to a Library of Congress survey in 1991, “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand is considered the second most influential book of all time…second only to The Bible. Although an argument could be made that the survey was far from comprehensive, there is no doubt that the popularity of Atlas Shrugged increases every day.

I read the book myself back in high school, and it single-handedly shaped the view that I have on business and founded my fascination with entrepreneurship. However, upon re-reading some of my favorite parts recently, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the book and my new passion for Real Estate Investing. It appears that I’m not the only one either, because the book has been brought up in the Bigger Pockets forums numerous times. Below are 3 quotes from Atlas Shrugged that motivate me, and serve as my stance for pursuing REI. 

1) “Every man is free to rise as far as he's able or willing, but it's only the degree to which he thinks that determines the degree to which he'll rise.”

Very Napoleon Hill-esque right? Think and Grow Rich! When I first decided to pursue Real Estate a year ago, I made a conscious effort to put down the TV remote and pick up a book. I’ve learned so much over the last year and will continue this pursuit for the rest of my life.

2) “He knew no weapons but to pay for what he wanted, to give value, to ask nothing of nature without trading his effort in return, to ask nothing of men without trading the product of his effort.”

Real Estate investors and businessmen alike are far too often seen as the bad guy. However that couldn’t be further from the truth. Investing in Real Estate creates value. Thats what I love about it! Whether it’s the wholesaler who is able to help a distressed seller make quick cash, a flipper who brings life back to a dilapidated house, or a buy and hold investor who provides people with a roof over their head…we all give value and trade the product of our efforts.

3) “I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine.”

By far my favorite. If you are a member of the Bigger Pockets community, chances are you are already living this last quote. Why? Because we have all made the pledge to ourselves that we alone will determine our future and provide for our families. I don’t want to live from paycheck to paycheck, nor do I want to rely on welfare or social security in my old age.

Agree? Disagree? Feel free to leave comments or share other Ayn Rand quotes that you love. Best of luck and happy investing!

Sincerely,

Tyler