Description: "Who Is John Galt?" Quote Button A 1.25" pinback button with one of the most famous quotes from the dystopian novel "Atlas Shrugged." John Galt is a character in Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged (1957). Although he is not identified by name until the last third of the novel, he is the object of its often-repeated question "Who is John Galt?" and of the quest to discover the answer. As the plot unfolds, Galt is acknowledged to be a philosopher and inventor; he believes in the power and glory of the human mind, and the right of the individual to use his/her mind solely for him/herself. He serves as a highly individualist counterpoint to the collectivist social and economic structure depicted in the novel, in which society is based on oppressive bureaucratic functionaries and a culture that embraces mediocrity in the name of egalitarianism, which the novel interprets as the end result of socialistic idealism. The book's opening line, "Who is John Galt?", becomes an expression of helplessness and despair at the current state of the novel's fictionalized world. The book's protagonist, Dagny Taggart, hears a number of legends of Galt, before finding him. In one legend Galt seeks the lost island of Atlantis, in another he discovers the Fountain of Youth. Eventually, Taggart learns that all of the stories have an element of truth to them. The use of Galt as a symbol in the context of political or social protest has taken root in some places. The phrase "going John Galt" or simply "going Galt" has been used by psychologist Helen Smith and others to describe productive members of society cutting back on work in response to the projected increase in U.S. marginal tax rates, increased limits on tax deductions, and the use of tax revenues for causes they regard as immoral. "Who is John Galt?" signs were seen at Tea Party protests held in the United States and at banking protests in London in April 2009. Texas Republican congressman Ron Paul's presidential primary campaign of 2008 included a play on the phrase, using "Who is Ron Paul?" on campaign T-shirts; his web site biography uses the same title. Looks equally awesome on your stylish business suit, your simple-yet-perfect evening wear, your greasy railroad overalls, or daringly pinned onto a burlap sack! See our eBay store for more interesting buttons - combine winning bids to save shipping! Click Here Pin back on each button. US penny for scale. Penny and ruler NOT included in price of button. 1.25 inches equals 3.175 centimeters. Midas Mulligan would not give a penny away, any more than he would give someone use of his car as a courtesy.
Price: 2.25 USD
Location: Raymond, New Hampshire
End Time: 2025-01-27T12:19:02.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Modified Item: No
