So...What is Atlas Shrugged?

Posted by awebb 10 years ago to Entertainment
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*** SPOILER ALERT: If you have not yet read the book, you may want to skip this post. ***

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When asked "What is Atlas Shrugged?", how do you typically respond? An epic novel by Ayn Rand? A story of a dystopian society where the best among us are disappearing? The greatest book ever written?

We're looking for the clearest, most concise, and most compelling answers to help promote the message of Atlas and the film.

So Gulch... what exactly is Atlas Shrugged? Submit a comment on this post with your answer or vote on the answer you think is best. The best answers just might be used on upcoming ASP3 promotional materials and, if your answer is used, you’ll get a special thanks in the credits of the film “Atlas Shrugged: Who is John Galt?”

This is your chance to not only help spread the word about Ayn Rand and what Atlas Shrugged symbolizes but also... to forever be a part of Atlas Shrugged history.

How long should your answer be? No longer than 15 seconds to say/read. Think of it as an “elevator pitch.” Submit as many answers as you like but please submit them as individual comments.

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NOTE: By submitting a comment on this page you agree to the site's terms and conditions and give Atlas Productions, and all of its affiliates, permission to use your submission in any and all promotional material. Read terms and conditions here: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/terms

All Comments

Previous comments...   You are currently on page 4.
  • Posted by LouisCrain 10 years ago
    Atlas Shrugged is about the inevitable collapse of society when politicians strive only for absolute power and when the masses are trained to believe that equality of opportunity should be extended to include equality of outcome.
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  • Posted by Avealina 10 years ago
    When I'm asked what the book 'Atlas Shrugged' is about, I simply say, "You know how our government is these days, and how much worse things can/will get if we do nothing about it? Well, the book is exactly what is going to end up happening to our country is we continue to do nothing and let them walk all over us and keep taking away our freedoms. It is precisely what happens when you breed a society that sits around with their hands out and believe they deserve everything, for nothing. That they shouldn't have to work for what they have. That's what the book is about."
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  • Posted by jtruran 10 years ago
    "What is Atlas Shrugged?" Simply put - The Objectivist Manifesto
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  • Posted by Boltwan 10 years ago
    Atlas Shrugged is a foretelling of an individual-less future. It is a clarion call of dignity and pride to men and women who know themselves to be more than mere drones working at the pleasure of society or government.
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  • Posted by khalling 10 years ago
    It 's a thriller. What would happen if the best and brightest among us started vanishing one by one?What if all they produced (planes,engines, oil, gas, bridges) was either destroyed or left in chaos? What if they all had gone on strike? Look around you. It's happening. Who is John Galt?
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  • Posted by johnpe1 10 years ago
    The story of the future of humankind, set in a time-compressed United States, is "Atlas Shrugged". It is the definition of free people making a voluntary social contract work. It is the answer to your dreams of liberty, creativity and celebration in this life. You have earned it; take this ride with Ayn Rand and it just might save your[ital., please] life! -- j
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  • Posted by hburdick 10 years ago
    What would happen if the most talented amongst us disappeared? What if the best writers, bankers, builders, doctors, technologists, businessmen, and farmers grew tired of being vilified and went on strike? What if they finally said "Screw you, America, do it yourself!" How long before our products and services, our stores and gas stations, even our society, collapsed? 'Atlas Shrugged' reveals the answer, and it's not pretty.
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  • Posted by cseidman 10 years ago
    Starting from a simple question "What would happen if people with creative abilities went on strike?" because of societal norms of altruism, influence peddling, and collectivism, Rand weaves a complex, brilliant, and spellbinding tale of the U' S. on the precipice of chaos. Logical and suspenseful at the same time, the book is a brilliant vehicle for illustrating her philosophy of Objectivism.
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  • Posted by stadler178 10 years ago
    "Atlas Shrugged" is a story about the greatest mystery there is--man himself, and why the individual is the most precious thing there is. It's a book about me, you, and freedom--the freedom to think and to trade the best of my efforts for the best of yours.
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  • Posted by SolitudeIsBliss 10 years ago
    I tell people Atlas Shrugged is a philosophical mirror that reflects the reality of Humanity. It doesn't have to be past, present or future. The story is relevant for all the Ages. There will always be takers, users, moochers, looters and there will always be those that work hard, that produce, that strive to succeed. The real question is: Do we let people fend for themselves, sink or swim, or do we allow government to enslave some to support others?
    Atlas Shrugged is a way to understand Human Nature, Government and in the end, Oneself !
    After reading Atlas Shrugged you WILL know what side you're on.
    I am John Galt !
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  • Posted by robinrises 10 years ago
    Whenever value offered in-exchange is tainted, Atlas shrugged. Vowing never to exchange personal talent for unjust compensation.
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  • Posted by danielhale 10 years ago
    Ayn Rand actually gave us this answer way back when: "it's the story of a man who said he would stop the motor of the world, and did"
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  • Posted by LetsShrug 10 years ago in reply to this comment.
    Okay..so that was awesome! (Clarity is my favorite word to describe it too.) :) Welcome to the gulch Joe!!!
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  • Posted by jrichter 10 years ago in reply to this comment.
    Can I have permission to copy your text and place it in my Outlook Signature (used at the bottom of all emails that I write)?
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  • Posted by Zenphamy 10 years ago
    Atlas Shrugged:
    The most powerful, heroic tale ever told of free individuals' continual battle against the forces of those that believe that being liked and idolized and given power by the needy, grasping, envious, and taking group is the source of good for all;
    to keep what he has earned through his own self interest and honest efforts using the power of his mind and personal spirit, for the benefit of himself, his family, and his community of like minded achievers;
    to permit all, the rights of their own choices including the failures and pain that result from a lazy mind, from thieving, and from magical thinking.
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  • Posted by MarkofNZ 10 years ago
    When it was written - Atlas Shrugged was a warning written as fiction. Now - more than 50 years later - the predicted fictional catastrophe is actually becoming fact. Libraries need to move the book out of the fiction section and it should be required reading for anyone wishing to vote. The author’s insight into the laws of human nature is shared in a grippingly entertaining way that will help you learn who you are and set you on the path to true self-fulfilment. Ignore the books concepts and live an empty, pathetic life or embrace the philosophy exemplified by “John Gault” in the book and you will be able to maximise your life. This is the ultimate Self-Help book for individuals and society.
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