The Philosophy Behind Atlas Shrugged: Why John Galt's Supporters Strike Against Society

The plot of Ayn Rand's monumental novel, Atlas Shrugged, revolves around the only strike in literary history: the Strike of the Brilliant. This unique plot delves into grand themes of individualism, capitalism, and the moral value of the human mind. In this exploration, we will delve deeper into the philosophical reasons why John Galt and his supporters take on this monumental act of defiance against society.

The Philosophy of Individualism

At the heart of Atlas Shrugged lies the concept of individualism. According to Rand, the true value of an individual lies in their ability to think and act independently, thereby generating wealth and progress. John Galt, the enigmatic main character, exemplifies this philosophy through his brilliance and ingenuity. He is a powerful engineer, inventor, and thinker who has made significant contributions to society, yet his efforts are unappreciated and even subverted by those in power. This injustice and the subsequent realization that society values purely material wealth and does not recognize or reward true individual accomplishment drive Galt to call for the strike.

The Significance of the Strike

The strike, known as the Strike of the Brilliant, is a manifestation of Galt's philosophy that societies cannot function without their most gifted minds. Galt and his supporters are the leaders in various fields, each pivotal to the functioning of society. When they cease their contributions, society crumbles.

The novel outlines a series of events leading up to the strike. Galt gathers a select group of like-minded individuals, each a genius in their field. These include Hugh Akston, an inspirational philosopher; Nathaniel Rothbard, the brilliant economist; Dwight Chaplin, a talented metallurgist; and Francisco d'Anconia, a financier who secretly works for Galt's cause. Together, they discuss the fundamental problems of society and the need for a major shift in values and policies.

Why the Supporters Strike

John Galt's supporters strike because they realize that society has become oppressive and corrupt. The government and its policies hinder the progress of innovative minds because they favor short-term gains and pandering to the masses over long-term, sustainable development.

Specifically, the novel highlights the loss of individualism and the rise of collectivism, altruism, and self-sacrifice. Galt finds that individuals must now sacrifice their own happiness and well-being for the supposed greater good of society, which in practice is not benefiting anyone. Business leaders are being taxed excessively, and their efforts are not rewarded. They are constantly interfered with by regulators and politicians with little knowledge of the actual value of their work.

This situation leads Galt and his supporters to conclude that the only way to rectify these issues is to remove themselves from the system that they see as fundamentally flawed. In doing so, they force society to confront the reality of their absence and the role the brightest minds play in the economy and the progress of society.

The novel offers a thought-provoking analysis of the relationship between individual intelligence and societal progress. It suggests that the cessation of these contributors' efforts will lead to societal collapse, thus highlighting the critical importance of visionary thinkers and the dangers of an oppressive social system.

Conclusion: The Resonance of Atlas Shrugged

The philosophy and plot of Atlas Shrugged continue to resonate today, inspiring individuals and communities to question the status quo and consider the value of free markets and the recognition of individual sacrifices. The Strike of the Brilliant serves as a powerful symbol of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of innovative, intelligent individuals. By striking, Galt and his supporters force society to confront the consequences of ignoring these invaluable contributors and the devastating impact that can have on progress and prosperity.