I have just started reading Atlas Shrugged this past week. I am only 2 chapters in to the 2 inch thick novel, but it has already made me think. Chapter two just scratches the surface of a man who runs his own steel mill and has created a new, better steel. He just had his first major order and the mill is running. Excited about the development and milestone, he walks home full of quiet energy. Upon arriving home, wife, mom, and brother - all of whom he supports - attack him for not being home earlier, not giving them enough attention, focusing too much on work and the 'simple' new 'tin'. It is commented that, in their opinion, he feels he is fulfilling his family obligation by providing money. And that just isn't good enough.
I find this concept interesting because it is not an archaic notion. How many times have you listened to friends, family, or colleagues expressing frustration about each side of this argument? It does beg the question, what is more important, providing much for the family in exchange of availability, or providing less for the family with perhaps more availability? At what point does the scale tip towards unacceptable?
It also begs the question of, do we, as family and friends, understand and appreciate what it is our loved ones do at work day to day?
