In Rand's Atlas Shrugged the character of John Galt embodies the philosophy of "atheistic capitalism. " Rand's philosophy can be seen in Atlas Shrugged and is perhaps presented in the clearest way during the scene in which Galt brings Dagny to see the building that houses his newly invented motor. While entering the building Dagny reads an engraving atop the door frame that reads "I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine. This inscription stands as the oath of the valley, for no person is permitted to live in the valley until they say and truly mean those words. The inscription above the door perfectly encapsulates John Galt's view of how one should live their life, as a self-sufficient individual who doesn't act as a leech on society but instead goes out and betters himself through their own means.
Galt lives by a philosophy of rationality and reason, through this he was able to become the leader of the world's most intelligent and influential men. Through this philosophy of unshakeable rationality Galt urges people to confront objective facts that they encounter in the most direct manner possible. He believes that one should live by reason, but not to the point that it can become crippling to the individual for it is also important to experience and express the complete range of human emotions. Galt wishes that people will be able to achieve a state in which both emotion and rationality contribute to how one lives their life. Another aspect of Galt's views is the belief that man can achieve prosperity only through the mind, for within the mind lies the power to run and bring advances to civilization.
In Galt's view individuals must learn to rely on their own rationality and emotions to guide them through life and that individuals must provide for themselves if they wish to maintain or even enhance their standard of living.
