Analysis Of John Galt As A Hero In Atlas

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John Galt as a character in Atlas shrugged is a major force whose every action had a profound and precise impact on the turn of events. For the major part of the book, he was an enigma whose presence was elusive. His name on people’s lips and mythical stories describing him and his exploit further fueled the perception of John Galt as a hero and a legendary figure. He was always working behind the scene until the very end when he revealed himself and got what he had always wanted; the freedom of the mind to function and pursue happiness without inhibition or restraint by bureaucratic extortionists and dictators.
His ability to rationalize situations and make decisions that were not based on sentiments made him stand out as one man among many. …show more content…

In doing this, He sought and went after men of like minds who embraced true values and were ready for a change. He went after the likes of Ellis Wyatt, who made his values known to Dagny that “…I now work for use, not for profit – my use, not the looters’ profit only those who add to my life, not those who devour it…” (661) John Galt knew that they possessed great minds like himself and would not want to keep using such great minds to serve mindless ‘looters’. He did not waste his time going after people like Dr Stadler who did not share his values. John Galt acknowledges the opinions of other people. He knew that Dagny respected him but did not agree with his philosophy but this did not stop him from showing her the power house and how to access it. He said to her “…I don’t mind telling you this secret – because I know that you won’t pronounce those words until you mean them…” (671) He was a patient man who gave people the opportunity to draw their conclusions and make their decisions after presenting them with facts. As in the case of Dagny who refused to stay in the valley after spending a month there with the other geniuses he neither begrudged her nor feel offended. He was a cosmic force with the power of persuasion and …show more content…

He worked hard while he was at school, in the Wisconsin company and even in the valley. His hard work earned him respect as he worked hard along the other people to earn his keep. He knew his self-worth and never doubted his ability. He was at peace with himself and his emotions, he was not conceited or arrogant (640) his self-esteem seemed boundless and justified. He was confident in his ability and had his happiness governing his morality and conduct. He never believed that he had to be his brother’s keeper; “. . . ever since I remember, I had felt that I would kill the man who’d claim that I exist for the sake of his need. . .” (680) He believed instead in pursuing his own happiness. Happiness represented his morality and ultimately, everything he did was for his happiness. He expressed this to Francisco d’Anconia his friend in no uncertain term when he informed him of his decision to return to New York – “If I go back it won’t be for our work. It will be to win the only thing I want from the world for myself …” (732). Although he was a reasonable man, he was not immune to emotions - he loved Dagny passionately, and he had a profound respect for his friends: Francisco d’Anconia and Ragnar Danneskjöld. He revered his mentor, Hugh Akston who was like a father to him. He never hid his love for Dagny or his

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