John Galt’s Philosophy of Individualism
John Galt, the protagonist of Ayn Rand’s novel Atlas Shrugged, is a harsh critic of the “mystics” who believe that man must endure years of repentance, atoning for the guilt of his existence to any stray collector of unintelligible debts. Galt believes that man should live for himself and pursue happiness instead of catering to others’ whims. He expresses this belief in “The Speech on Ethics” (Byrne, 2019).
In this speech, Galt challenges the mystics and other followers of collectivism to offer a better way of life than the one they currently enjoy. He believes that those who pursue their happiness will be the winners in the long run, while those who follow the mystic path will end up miserable and alone. Man must live according to reality and take charge of life, and those who declare mysticism reserve special criticism.
Galt is a critical speaker who wants to change the government’s policies so that people can have more freedom and opportunity. He wants to encourage people to live to the fullest by enjoying life, having fun, and being productive. Galt believes that it is the most essential thing in life and that it is worth living for. He wants to teach people about this morality so that they can live fulfilling lives. Galt’s message is one of hope and encouragement, and he aims to help people achieve their goals.
Critique of Mysticism and Religious Doctrines
The mystics employ two doctrines to foster a moral outlook: the doctrine of original sin posits that humans are born sinful and must be redeemed through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The doctrine of atonement says that Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for people’s sins and that believers can be forgiven through his death.
Galt’s most visible critic is Dagny Taggart, who grapples with the concept of original sin. She believes humans are born good and capable of greatness, but their innate nature can be corrupted by sin. She views life as a series of challenges and opportunities, not punishments and rewards.
Dagny is capable of overcoming her internal conflict with the doctrine of original sin by relying on her own strength and ability instead of relying on God’s forgiveness. He criticizes those who believe in these doctrines for thinking that man’s only purpose is to atone for his sins. Galt believes that life should be lived according to the principles of reason and nature, rather than religious dogma.
His beliefs eventually led him to abandon society and live in isolation. These characters struggle with the doctrines of atonement in different ways, but they all share one common goal: to rid society of those who believe in these doctrines and use them to control people. They all believe that people should be able to live their lives according to their instincts and desires without depending on forgiveness from God or other religious concepts.
Dagny Taggart’s Conflict with Original Sin
The doctrine of atonement encourages people to view life as a series of punishments and rewards, rather than a natural process leading to happiness. They also encourage people to believe that their only purpose is to atone for their sins, which can lead them to view life as a form of punishment. These doctrines discourage people from living according to their instincts and desires, which can lead to negative consequences. For example, the doctrine can encourage addiction, as people try to numb themselves from the pain of their lives. Finally, the doctrine can lead to various mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. These consequences can be challenging to manage and may require professional assistance.
The doctrine of original sin encourages people to behave harmfully to themselves and others. Original sin can lead people to lash out at others or to be selfish and unkind. Moreover, the doctrine of original sin may lead individuals to neglect their health and well-being or to commit harmful behaviors such as drug abuse. These behaviors are often harmful and destructive, negatively impacting both the individual and society.
The doctrine of original sin can have several negative consequences. For instance, it can lead to suicide or other self-destructive behaviors, addiction, and mental health problems. In addition, the doctrine also leads to other problems, such as religious extremism and discrimination.
Dagny struggles with the doctrine of original sin. This doctrine is central to her religious beliefs and causes her difficulty (Fernández Urtasun, 2021). Dagny feels guilty about her behavior and is often unkind to others. In addition, Dagny’s struggle with original sin is resolved when she realizes that she cannot control other people’s behavior. She eventually comes to accept this fact, and she begins to behave more compassionately.
Transformation Through Struggle and Understanding
The character Galt struggles with the doctrine of atonement because he believes it is unfair and unjust. He believes God is cruel and unmerciful and does not deserve our love or respect. As a result, Galt constantly clashes with those around him, and he never feels comfortable or accepted.
Ultimately, Galt realizes that the doctrine of atonement is essential because it teaches us about God’s love for us. This understanding ultimately leads to a sense of peace and forgiveness, which Galt sorely needs. Ultimately, Galt’s struggle is resolved when he finally accepts it and comes to understand its importance. This change in perspective enables him to find peace and stability in his life, and he ultimately becomes a significantly improved person.
The mystics who declare that man must crawl through years of penance are not living under reality; they live in a mystical world and are not taking charge of their lives. Galt’s and Dagny’s struggles with the doctrine of atonement represent the struggles of many people with this concept. Many individuals find it difficult to accept this doctrine because it conflicts with their beliefs and ideas about God. But in the end, all individuals must ultimately accept the doctrine of atonement if they want to be successful and happy.
Galt and Dagny both transform due to their struggles with the doctrine of atonement, and they eventually learn to appreciate and understand the importance of this concept. This understanding leads them to a much better life overall. The doctrine of original sin states that people are all born with a sinful nature, meaning they cannot do anything good by themselves. They must rely on God to help them overcome their sinful nature and become good people.
Reference
Byrne, D. N. (2019). Review essay “Mr Galt goes to Washington”. Australasian Journal of American Studies. Web.
Fernández Urtasun, R. (2021). Literature and practical wisdom: An experience with the catcher in the rye. Literature and Character Education in Universities, 137–152. Web.