"Atlas Shrugged" is a novel by Ayn Rand published in 1957 that explores her philosophy of Objectivism through a dystopian lens. The story unfolds in a society facing economic collapse due to government overreach and the vilification of individual achievement. Key characters, such as Dagny Taggart and Hank Rearden, represent the innovative entrepreneurs struggling against a system that penalizes success and rewards mediocrity.
The plot centers around the mysterious disappearances of the world's most influential thinkers and creators, who go on strike against a system that exploits their talents. As the country deteriorates, the remaining productive individuals face ever-increasing burdens, highlighting the clash between individualism and collectivism. The novel critiques the moral implications of a society that discourages ambition and celebrates dependency.
Ayn Rand uses her characters and narrative to argue for the importance of personal responsibility, self-interest, and the freedom to pursue one's own happiness. "Atlas Shrugged" serves as both a philosophical treatise and a cautionary tale about the perils of sacrificing individual rights for the sake of collectivist ideals, ultimately advocating for a society that values individual initiative and capitalism.