Sounds like we take a similar stance on old. I tell all my friends they can call me old when they plant me and not before.

Similar on giving back too. I never stole anything and if by accident I did I will give it back.

I understand. There is a big difference in talking to someone who is interested in the subject and those that have no cares, except who is winning the football game.

Thanks Ed but I'm not selling myself short I don't believe. After 20 years of espousing Rand, I am too old and don't have the time or patience anymore to deal with the rolling of eyes or the "but we need to take care of people". On the extremely rare occasion of finding someone asking the questions who really wants to know and learn it is refreshing. But alas no joy as those days are long gone.

Don't sell yourself short. Not trying to start an argument but I had not heard of Ayn Rand until 4 years ago. I'm now 54. I saw a "Who is John Galt" t-shirt at a political event. I asked someone who he was. They gave me a brief explanation that caused me to buy AS. Reading it, I learned that I had already lived much of my life by Objectivist philosophy and it cleared things that confused me. Many times I wish I had heard of Ayn when I was 20. It would have changed the course of my life. I hope you will change your mind and give someone like myself a chance to learn of Any Rand.

Sincerely,

That would be your opinion Michael. Mine is' tired of trying to explain to someone who has not read anything of Ayn Rand or has no other views but the Liberal or so called Conservative.

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!

"The man who said he would stop the Motor of the World...and did!"

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.).

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?

This is a story I would like to see told. The evolution from a failed and contradictory philosophy to one based on individual responsibility.

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.

It is not suprising that John Galt hasn't responded to your bumper sticker. He does not respond to others' needs. ;)

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."

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."

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.

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.

Good question. 99% of them wouldnt like it if they knew and had not already heard of the name. It IS possible you could turn someone on to a good thing in their lives, but it would be an uphill battle- they would have to go buy the book, and then read its 1000+ pages. There needs to be some quick 4 x 6 card that grabs a person's attention where THEY live in the moment, and gives them reason to pursue it. Something like a tag line of " Tired of working so the entitled people can NOT work?" Something like that might resonate better than a philosophical statement right off the bat.

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.

Good idea.

OK, From now on when I antagonize a liberal I will keep my hand on my conceled carry.

:-)

I have actually read it 4 times, but for an introduction
it might be good to underplay it a bit! -- j
.