Philip Kaifer Reaction 9

As the book draws to a close, we are witness to John Galt’s speech. He takes over the radio and speaks for three hours on his personal view of politics. This is pretty much what Atlas Shrugged is as a whole, a commentary illustrating Ayn Rand’s political opinions. Every point that John Galt makes in the speech is covered in earlier parts of the novel, from capitalism and individuality to self-respect and motivation. In fact, I think that the book would have made more sense if it were just Galt’s speech. It would be more concise and would not require a full two months to read. While the speech does go on for what seems like an eternity, it does provide some interesting ideas. If Galt’s speech is an abridged representation of Ayn Rand’s opinions, then some of Ayn Rand’s characteristics that were not clear before have now been elucidated. For example, Rand isn’t just against the government providing social services, she is also opposed to charitable organizations. This is interesting because in the very beginning of the book, Eddie gives some money to a beggar on the street. The same man who first said, “Who is John Galt.” I think that Ayn Rand might have placed that question in the book when she viewed something as opposing her ideals. I will have to look back through and explore that possibility. So much of Ayn Rand’s political philosophy would be considered immoral or unjust yet it seems like it might be a completely impersonal opinion of how the world should work. When I consider it without thinking of the effect it would have on everyone, it seems like it would work. It would possible be a successful, albeit cruel, system. My problem with the system is that it would have to be utterly tyrannical, even more controlling than the government she opposes. Regardless of this systems benefits, I think it would be a bad system for the nation. I look forward to seeing how Ayn Rand concludes the novel.