Galt's Gulch

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    Posted by j_IR1776wg 9 years, 3 months ago
    John Galt is an idea that people can live and trade with each other without force.
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    • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 9 years, 3 months ago
      I never mentioned the number of pages or the level of literacy. Most folks eyes glaze over. However in the sailing community that type of book is sought as it fills many hours of sea time and the lifestyle leads to contemplation and thought.

      Sometimes I say. It explains life without a reset button.
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      • Posted by RobertFl 9 years, 3 months ago
        Thats why they need a comic book edition, with plenty of pictures. John Galt, the Super hero :-)
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        • Posted by Herb7734 9 years, 3 months ago
          When I was in the publishing business, I tried to put out a graphic novel version of Atlas, but couldn't get permission. So I put out a parody called "Elvis Shrugged" which substituted showbiz types for the characters in Atlas. It was a mild success and did up interest in Atlas a little bit.
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          • Posted by christian 9 years, 3 months ago
            I just purchased them is there a real comic book version it still should be done
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            • Posted by Herb7734 9 years, 3 months ago
              It should be done in graphic novel form. It would however, if done in color with good artwork, be a quite expensive project, which means a lot of copies must be distributed and sold. I still know many people in the business who can put the project together and guide it to completion. If a quality product is to be made, a good writer would be the key.
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  • 11
    Posted by richrobinson 9 years, 3 months ago
    Excellent. I usually explain that he is the main character in a book called Atlas Shrugged. I recommend the movies if they don't want the challenge of reading a 1200 page novel.
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    • Posted by Rex_Little 9 years, 3 months ago
      Well, no, he's not the main character. Dagny Taggart is, followed closely by Hank Rearden. John Galt doesn't appear in the book until part 3.

      In a sense, he's like the white whale in Moby Dick.
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      • Posted by nsnelson 9 years, 3 months ago
        Good point. I agree that Dagny Taggart is the main character. Probably 90% of the story is written about her, or from her perspective. That is the only reason Hank follows closely.

        I would only say that John Galt is clearly a theme even in parts 1 and 2, even though we are not introduced to him personally until part 3. Once we are so introduced, it becomes clear that he has been the mastermind (though hidden to us) behind so much of those first two parts. That's why they are able to make so many connections as soon as they meet (e.g., she did know him, even though they hadn't met; he did claim her line; etc.).
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  • Posted by $ Suzanne43 9 years, 3 months ago
    I had a special bumper sticker made that says, "We need you, John Galt." I've met a few people who tell me that they love it. One lady took a picture of it to send to her son. If they ask what it means, I say pretty much what "richrobinson" tells the ones who ask him. I also tell them that the book is available on Kindle; that it's a long read, but they can do what I did...get sick with a horrible cold and a pulled hamstring. Then they can lie on the sofa and finish it in no time.
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  • Posted by $ Susanne 9 years, 3 months ago
    I like Suzanne's answer... Read the book. Sure it's long but it's an engaging, worthwhile story Has intrigue, romance, gangsters, a little sci-fi and alternate history, and the evils of government corruption all throughout... and you can either devour it in one sitting, as it's not hard to read (they used to assign it as a high school read) or a bit at a time.

    I've even bought 2 bit copies at thrift stores and given them away to those in need... the ideal handout for someone stuck in moocher lifestyle. You need charity? Here, have this! --heh heh heh--
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    • Posted by DeanStriker 9 years, 3 months ago
      Gosh, years ago I sent Atlas Shrugged to each of my 4 offspring.

      NOBODY thanked or even acknowledged, darnit!
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      • Posted by Herb7734 9 years, 3 months ago
        You learned something about your offspring, then.
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        • Posted by DeanStriker 9 years, 3 months ago
          I thought they had learned better from us. Wrong again! That was quite long ago, and it's never gotten better.
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          • Posted by $ Susanne 9 years, 3 months ago
            Sometimes kids have to deal with life before they find truth on their own. My favorite example was, well, me. Leftie pinko commie looter moocher scumbag, admittedly so. I was even proud of it (--gads!!--), demanded my fair share and my part of the graft and my special favors and what was owed me... and how unfair the evil bourgeois was... voted green at best, pure socialist ticket at worst. My parents were literally aghast... poor folks!

            I grew up. It was a woman named Dagny that changed my life - totally, irreversibly, and gratefully. I just had to have the guts to crack that "evil capitalist book" and read the words.

            Their day will come... I just hope it;s not too late for them when it does!
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            • Posted by $ Suzanne43 9 years, 3 months ago
              Wow, Susanne! What an incredible story. Well-written and awesome. You can tell that it comes from your heart. I think that I have mentioned it before, but even if we could just get people to read the one chapter where Dagny meets the "tramp" on her train and then listens to his story about working at the motor company, a lot of them would leave the dark side.
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      • Posted by $ Susanne 9 years, 3 months ago
        Just remember - you can't force another person to do anything. THEY have to find it and want it on their own for it to have meaning. And if they don't get it (unlikely, however, you never know) then you did your best.
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        • Posted by MaxCasey 9 years, 3 months ago
          Or you could take a page from our government and create a "false flag" situation which causes the change... Of course that would mean the ends justify the means though wouldn't it?
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  • Posted by Riftsrunner 9 years, 3 months ago
    I tell people who ask that 'He is the man that stopped the motor of the world'. Then whether they wish to continue the discussion, I elaborate on who he is in Atlas Shrugged. I have started many a reader onto Ms. Rand's Magnum Opus with this method.
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  • Posted by gcarl615 9 years, 3 months ago
    I have one on my pickup. No one has ever asked about it. But the other day I saw a Bernie Sanders bumper sticker on a car at the local Family Dollar parked in the spot next to the handicapped spot. I waited for the lady and told her could have parked in the handicapped spot since she was obviously mentally handicapped.. I laughed and she got really mad...
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  • Posted by $ PhoenixRising 9 years, 3 months ago
    My "stock" response is: Have you read Ayn Rand's book "Atlas Shrugged?" The answer is always "NO." I then suggest that the individual obtain the book (buy it or get it from the library) and read it if they truly desire to know who John Galt is. Some of the folks just glare at me because they want me to tell them without their going to the effort of finding out for themselves. Some actually do get the book and later a few have come back and said "thank you" for directing me to the book rather than providing an answer to my question. I figure if the person really wants to know then they can put the effort in finding out for themselves... or not.
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    • Posted by IndianaGary 9 years, 3 months ago
      I first ask, "Do you really want to know? Because if you do, you'll have to do some work to find out." If they insist, I tell them that "He's the man who said that he would stop the motor of the world... And did. For details, read Atlas Shrugged."
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  • Posted by Herb7734 9 years, 3 months ago
    It is a question that's answered in the book Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.
    I don't want to ruin it for you if you decide to read the book.
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  • Posted by dwlievert 9 years, 3 months ago
    I too have said "lament" on several magnetic emblems which I have placed on my vehicles.

    When asked the inevitable question, I reply: He is the character in the novel Atlas Shrugged around which the theme of the book is presented. He represents the best within us of which we are capable, dealing with those among us who represent the worst with which we are capable. He ultimately triumphs, together with others who represent the best within us as well.
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  • Posted by $ Snezzy 9 years, 3 months ago
    I pestered a college friend about his fascination with Rand. For a while he answered my questions. None of them were about essentials, but rather, "What would Rand say about xxx?"

    Eventually he stopped talking to me and I had to read the book. And another book. And more books.
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  • Posted by $ jlc 9 years, 3 months ago
    John Galt is a character who perceived that individual freedom was more important than supporting the State and who had the charisma and character to persuade the people who were the economic keystones of the State to withdraw their support of it until freedom could be restored.

    I love the White Whale analogy, but I would like to remind you that the Whale, like Galt, was in every aspect of their respective books from the beginning. These archetypes Owned the books, and everything else that happened was about them: Would there have been a Moby Dick book without the Whale? Would there have been an Atlas Shrugged book without Galt. They were there, they just were not on the page yet.

    Jan
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  • Posted by dansail 9 years, 3 months ago
    I wear the T-Shirt that says, "I am John Galt". People ask, I answer, "He is the epitome of self control and strength of character." Anything beyond that I recommend they buy the book.
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  • Posted by Stormi 9 years, 3 months ago
    I usually tell them it is what characters in "Atlas Shrugged" say when they experience non-reason.
    I tell them the book is about love of fair trade and value of the individual. I usually suggest they start with "Anthem", often offer them one of the extra copies I keep on hand. If they are ready, they will hunger for more Rand reason.
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  • Posted by $ Thoritsu 9 years, 3 months ago
    I have front/rear license plate covers on both my cars. My line is "Protagonist in Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged novel about freedom and responsibility." If they are interested in more, I explain a little more and see where it goes. Like getting people to sign petitions against the Bill of Rights, it is interesting to see how inquisitive people are before they realize the subject is contrary to free stuff. Most my engineer friends will stay with it. Varies from there.
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  • Posted by ChestyPuller 9 years, 3 months ago
    He is the person this Great nation was founded for...I person who wanted to be free to create and build his own future without outside restrictions...John Galt could be you!
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  • Posted by $ Abaco 9 years, 3 months ago
    I often mention that Atlas Shrugged is considered the second-most influential book in America, second to the Bible. I also mention that the book brought me clarity.

    Even some of those I know who enjoyed tackling the book didn't make it all the way through it. It takes dedication, at some level. I started to re-read it and found myself taking note of the writing style used. The first time I was looking for answers, and I got them.
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  • Posted by wmiranda 9 years, 3 months ago
    I would respond "Exactly. Who is John Galt? I am John Galt. You may be too. Read or hear the audio book Atlas Shrugged to find out if you are too. It's more than a prophetic novel."
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  • Posted by teri-amborn 9 years, 3 months ago
    There is no short answer except for this one:
    "John GALT (and consequently the Gulch) are within you...but you need to build them up before they can be occupied."
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  • Posted by Flootus5 9 years, 3 months ago
    I remember a few years back a bunch of us had gathered for a Thanksgiving dinner. Family members, family friends, sons, fathers, aunts, grandmothers, friends.

    The conversation centered around the state of the world these days and we need a John Galt to do his thing. Much speculation as to what would John Galt do?

    The older son of a friend of mine was listening to all this and in complete innocence blurted out "Who is John Galt?" There was so much laughter, he was completely mortified. It was all explained to him. He has since definitely read the book. My friend saw to that.
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  • Posted by Wavewriter 9 years, 3 months ago
    What a great question!

    The short technical answer is, John Galt is the strong, mysterious, resilient, resourceful hero of Ayn Rand's 1957 prophetic masterwork "Atlas Shrugged"... and "Who is John Galt?" is the question on everyone's lips throughout the book.

    But to me, I have to say that John Galt is the powerful voice inside every human being that refuses to accept mediocrity (and every other form of slavery) and instead defiantly finds a way to overcome.

    Basically: John Galt is most likely the best answer I've seen to the non-question: "Well, what are you gonna do?"

    If you really want to know, I'd suggest read the book Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. It just might change your life.
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