Throughout the novel Atlas Shrugged, written by Ayn Rand in 1957, one rhetorical question is proposed on multiple occasions. In a world where businesses are failing at every turn, this question serves to embody the very essence of the hopelessness and the defenselessness of an entire nation, as well as their utter loss of human spirit. This question, however, appears to be so simple on the surface, seeming to seek the identity of a mystery man. It is asked by homeless men, businessmen and diner patrons alike. Furthermore, the question gives rise to many answers, most of which are as fanciful and fantastical as the man himself seems to be. Some people claim that Galt is an explorer who discovered the fountain of youth, while yet others believe
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While his actions bring about much good, he also bears some responsibility for tragedies that occur in the novel, especially industrial accidents. Galt is something like a hurricane in this story; destructive, unstoppable and utterly fearless in everything he does, his actions always carry great impact. For instance, his plan to remove the greatest minds in the world from participation in the workforce leads to many political, economic and social issues, for which he seems to care little. For one, this allows the government to pass extremely unfair and restrictive laws, which render both the world of business and personal life extremely difficult to navigate and function in. Furthermore, as is illustrated with business meetings occurring in dark bars, where the discussions revolve more around manipulation of the system rather than legitimate business plans, the government as well as the major contributors to the business sector have become corrupt without the input of great thinkers and innovators alike. Levels of poverty and business failure are steadily soaring, all due to Galt’s strike. Additionally, the lack of technical proficiency present in the workforce leads to industrial accidents, such as the misuse of Project X and its subsequent destruction of the Taggart Bridge. This killed many people, as the first six cars of a train were passing over the bridge at that exact moment. Contrastingly, however, Galt also completes many positive actions and carries many constructive impacts on society. For example, Galt stands up for what he believes in and funds a village where the some of the most innovative and intelligent members of society are free to function and create as they please. He forms a type of safe haven for these people, who were otherwise disrespected and mistreated in the outside world. At the end of the novel, Galt ends the strike and begins to repair the world by implementing his
While his actions bring about much good, he also bears some responsibility for tragedies that occur in the novel, especially industrial accidents. Galt is something like a hurricane in this story; destructive, unstoppable and utterly fearless in everything he does, his actions always carry great impact. For instance, his plan to remove the greatest minds in the world from participation in the workforce leads to many political, economic and social issues, for which he seems to care little. For one, this allows the government to pass extremely unfair and restrictive laws, which render both the world of business and personal life extremely difficult to navigate and function in. Furthermore, as is illustrated with business meetings occurring in dark bars, where the discussions revolve more around manipulation of the system rather than legitimate business plans, the government as well as the major contributors to the business sector have become corrupt without the input of great thinkers and innovators alike. Levels of poverty and business failure are steadily soaring, all due to Galt’s strike. Additionally, the lack of technical proficiency present in the workforce leads to industrial accidents, such as the misuse of Project X and its subsequent destruction of the Taggart Bridge. This killed many people, as the first six cars of a train were passing over the bridge at that exact moment. Contrastingly, however, Galt also completes many positive actions and carries many constructive impacts on society. For example, Galt stands up for what he believes in and funds a village where the some of the most innovative and intelligent members of society are free to function and create as they please. He forms a type of safe haven for these people, who were otherwise disrespected and mistreated in the outside world. At the end of the novel, Galt ends the strike and begins to repair the world by implementing his