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Who is John Galt?
But seriously, this piece has several inspirations. The first (of course), being that I'm currently re-reading Atlas Shrugged, as it's been a number of years since I last read it, and as hard of a read as it is, and as much as I disagree with much of Ayn Rand's philosophies, I realise that one simply cannot escape the fact that Atlas Shrugged is (and continues to be) the single most important and influential book in the politics of the Western World (and especially the US), other than the Bible.
The second inspiration is this wacky idea that was first mooted in 1964, and which comes back like a bad smell every few years (generally whenever there is a government in power in the US, which skews a little more to the left). The idea is essentially to make Galt's Gulch a reality, except in the form of a floating city that perpetually sails the seas, and where the so-called 'wealth creators' can go to escape the indignities of supporting the worthless parasites, moochers and looters (i.e. anyone, who is not a fellow wealth-creator), through not having to pay taxes.
(A recent article about it here: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/freedom-sh.....rich-10-526754)
Of course, most folks whose intelligence is at an even slightly higher level than the village idiot, can see how ridiculous and flawed this cunning little plan actually is.
But seriously, this piece has several inspirations. The first (of course), being that I'm currently re-reading Atlas Shrugged, as it's been a number of years since I last read it, and as hard of a read as it is, and as much as I disagree with much of Ayn Rand's philosophies, I realise that one simply cannot escape the fact that Atlas Shrugged is (and continues to be) the single most important and influential book in the politics of the Western World (and especially the US), other than the Bible.
The second inspiration is this wacky idea that was first mooted in 1964, and which comes back like a bad smell every few years (generally whenever there is a government in power in the US, which skews a little more to the left). The idea is essentially to make Galt's Gulch a reality, except in the form of a floating city that perpetually sails the seas, and where the so-called 'wealth creators' can go to escape the indignities of supporting the worthless parasites, moochers and looters (i.e. anyone, who is not a fellow wealth-creator), through not having to pay taxes.
(A recent article about it here: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/freedom-sh.....rich-10-526754)
Of course, most folks whose intelligence is at an even slightly higher level than the village idiot, can see how ridiculous and flawed this cunning little plan actually is.
Category Poetry / Abstract
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Size 50 x 50px
File Size 1.9 kB
I think Bioshock explored this idea, with its underwater city full of rich people. THe game drew heavily from Atlas Shrugged. Kinda ironic, considering the game was made by BioWare.
This is one of your better pieces, man. This flows, and has layers. Well worth a few re-reads.
This is one of your better pieces, man. This flows, and has layers. Well worth a few re-reads.
I have to completely agree with Zidders. I have been re-reading the poem a few times already in the last couple of hours. It is a great poem with multiple reading pulling out another meaning.
It is fascinating how the word/name 'Galt' has become so entwined with Rynd and the world's nuevo-rich. When I was working retail recently I met a customer who's last name was Galt. I had built up a rapport with the client so i ventured to ask how he felt about Atlas Shrugged. The expression that crossed his face was twofold; suspicion and then resignation. While he had no love for the book and had actually read it; what saddened him was that John had been a family name and because of the meaning or lack of knowledge of the meaning of the name because of Atlas Shrugged, it was no longer used. Even the name Galt was starting to become a burden to family members.
Something I have noticed from people who have put in sweat equity into building their wealth, they know there is a point where they want for nothing and no longer appear to be upset at governments and their taxation policies. Most of these people turn their attention to bettering the world in some way or form. I am thinking of people like the Gates, Rockerfellers, Vanderbelts, etc.. Yes, when they were young they railed against the government that was taking their money but they all hit a point where it meant nothing and started channeling their funds into causes that they felt would change society for the better.
The Freedom Ship would hold no interest for these true 'builder' rich. It would be the people who were in the right place at the right time, who never had to truly work for the money they have earned or had been given. These are the people that would see everyone and everything around them as a leech at their temple of money. They would be like Tagert's brother feeding the government's need for money and supposedly looking out for the little man. The Freedom ship would be nothing like Galt's gulch as every person who entered had to bring their pioneering spirit with them and more importantly, their ingenuity and sweat equity.
If you get tired of reading Atlas Shrugged, Scott Brick's audiobook reading is really good. If you are lucky enough to have a library that you can borrow it from I would suggest getting it.
It is fascinating how the word/name 'Galt' has become so entwined with Rynd and the world's nuevo-rich. When I was working retail recently I met a customer who's last name was Galt. I had built up a rapport with the client so i ventured to ask how he felt about Atlas Shrugged. The expression that crossed his face was twofold; suspicion and then resignation. While he had no love for the book and had actually read it; what saddened him was that John had been a family name and because of the meaning or lack of knowledge of the meaning of the name because of Atlas Shrugged, it was no longer used. Even the name Galt was starting to become a burden to family members.
Something I have noticed from people who have put in sweat equity into building their wealth, they know there is a point where they want for nothing and no longer appear to be upset at governments and their taxation policies. Most of these people turn their attention to bettering the world in some way or form. I am thinking of people like the Gates, Rockerfellers, Vanderbelts, etc.. Yes, when they were young they railed against the government that was taking their money but they all hit a point where it meant nothing and started channeling their funds into causes that they felt would change society for the better.
The Freedom Ship would hold no interest for these true 'builder' rich. It would be the people who were in the right place at the right time, who never had to truly work for the money they have earned or had been given. These are the people that would see everyone and everything around them as a leech at their temple of money. They would be like Tagert's brother feeding the government's need for money and supposedly looking out for the little man. The Freedom ship would be nothing like Galt's gulch as every person who entered had to bring their pioneering spirit with them and more importantly, their ingenuity and sweat equity.
If you get tired of reading Atlas Shrugged, Scott Brick's audiobook reading is really good. If you are lucky enough to have a library that you can borrow it from I would suggest getting it.
The city I currently live in was founded by another John Galt, namely the Nineteenth Century Scottish writer.
I always chuckle when I ask myself whether or not Ms. Rand had ever heard of that John Galt, as he died broke and disgraced. (bankrupts were considered to be criminals in the UK at that time, as it was still the days of debtors' prisons and sponging houses. Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses? :P )
I always chuckle when I ask myself whether or not Ms. Rand had ever heard of that John Galt, as he died broke and disgraced. (bankrupts were considered to be criminals in the UK at that time, as it was still the days of debtors' prisons and sponging houses. Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses? :P )
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