Olivia Thaler Reaction #3

In this section of the reading, Rand focuses on how being great or having great ideas is a most difficult venture to move forward with, especially in the steel industry. It creates controversy and provokes jealousy.  Rand focuses on revealing each character’s identities by showing how they deal with trouble and greatness. In the cruel world of the steel industry, businessmen are jealous of those who are more successful than them. But amazingly, when they are presented with a great, innovative idea (like Rearden Metal), they fear risk and denial of public opinion. Only those who are willing to take risks and prove everyone wrong will prove to be successful, like Dagny and Rearden, in my opinion. Rand uses Jim’s character as an example of a businessman who is scared of controversy, and who places so much importance on reputation. Rand uses Jim’s character to contrast Dagny’s character, in order to highlight her willingness to take risk and her innovative style. Unlike Jim, Dagny does not fear failure. Although they both place importance on money, they have different viewpoints on what success is. Jim does not want to be associated with whatever ventures and risks that Dagny will proceed with, simply because his reputation is at stake and he prefers not to stray from popular opinion whether it is wrong or not. Dagny mocks him for this, as she believes success is measured by the willingness to take risk in a crashing industry. Greatness can be prevented by the greed of men, and some turn down greatness because it is foreign to them and they fear it will fail. On a side note, we have begun to see Rearden let his internal emotions drive his actions. I believe that Rearden and Dagny’s similarities and ventures will bring them together on an emotional level.