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John Galt in Atlas Shrugged

            In Rand's Atlas Shrugged the character of John Galt embodies the philosophy of "atheistic capitalism. " Rand's philosophy can be seen in Atlas Shrugged and is perhaps presented in the clearest way during the scene in which Galt brings Dagny to see the building that houses his newly invented motor. While entering the building Dagny reads an engraving atop the door frame that reads "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. This inscription stands as the oath of the valley, for no person is permitted to live in the valley until they say and truly mean those words. The inscription above the door perfectly encapsulates John Galt's view of how one should live their life, as a self-sufficient individual who doesn't act as a leech on society but instead goes out and betters himself through their own means.
             Galt lives by a philosophy of rationality and reason, through this he was able to become the leader of the world's most intelligent and influential men. Through this philosophy of unshakeable rationality Galt urges people to confront objective facts that they encounter in the most direct manner possible. He believes that one should live by reason, but not to the point that it can become crippling to the individual for it is also important to experience and express the complete range of human emotions. Galt wishes that people will be able to achieve a state in which both emotion and rationality contribute to how one lives their life. Another aspect of Galt's views is the belief that man can achieve prosperity only through the mind, for within the mind lies the power to run and bring advances to civilization.
             In Galt's view individuals must learn to rely on their own rationality and emotions to guide them through life and that individuals must provide for themselves if they wish to maintain or even enhance their standard of living.


Essays Related to John Galt in Atlas Shrugged

1. Book Review on ATLAS SHRUGGED

... industrialists are disappearing form the world because of the corruption of the government. The strike of the mind, led by John Galt, eventually leads to the destruction of the society. When John Galt, the leader of the strike of the mind, made public the strike that is going on and the reasons behind ... before it is too late. When she had finally realized that there is no hope for the looters, she eventually joined the strike. They rescue John Galt from the looters and escaped out of the country. With the complete collapse of the looters" way of life, the strikers are ready to ... op...

  • Word Count: 1011
  • Approx Pages: 4
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2. In Defense of Capitalism: Atlas Shrugged

... "Atlas Shrugged" down to its roots, to its base message, it would be a justification on how capitalism is the only moral approach to economics, enabling each individual to reach his full, glorious potential. Although the meat of Rand's philosophy (Objectivism) is concentrated in the 60 page speech by John Galt himself ... , I feel that the rest of the book is just as important in understanding the effects of a corrupt and derailing society. The more I go back and read ... my favorite tidbits and paragraphs, the more of Rand's philosophy reaches me, some of which I have trouble condoning...

  • Word Count: 607
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3. Ayn Rand

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  • Word Count: 2861
  • Approx Pages: 11
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4. Capitalism v. Communism

... each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need." As Karl Marx supported the ideals of communism, John Galt supported capitalism by his words in Ayn Rand"s book Atlas Shrugged: "I swear by my life and by my love of it -- that I will never live for the sake of ... another man, nor ask another man to live for mine." (Rand, 346) Which is the correct way to see our society as a whole, living as individuals with his or her own inherent rights, or should we live in a society in ... of these systems, many similarities and differences are very evident, and can be compared easily. ...

  • Word Count: 927
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

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