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.

Gosh, years ago I sent Atlas Shrugged to each of my 4 offspring.

NOBODY thanked or even acknowledged, darnit!

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.

Possibly rather terse, but I generally say if you need to ask you probably won't understand.

+1 for that white whale comparison.
It kinda took my breath.

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.

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.

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.

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--

Ask them if they really want to know. The response will indicate whether they have any intellectual curiosity or not.

You simply shrug.

Thats why they need a comic book edition, with plenty of pictures. John Galt, the Super hero :-)

I like j_IR1776wg's and richrobinson's answers.

John Galt is an idea that people can live and trade with each other without force.

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.

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.

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.

buy the book ...