"
The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities." Ayn Rand
"Of what importance is an individual in the titanic collective achievement of our industrial age?" Ayn Rand
That second quote is taken right from the book and though that mindset quoted helps explain the villains in the book it also explains Rand's propensity to introduce numerous characters that ultimately have nothing to do with the plot.
The exposition that goes along with each character helps explain Rand's awful reputation as a novelist. I've gotten through about 10% of the book and I can't take anymore.
Yes you wanted each man be be a combination of man of action and philosopher who knows they have free will to act and they decide to act to achieve something. But each industry doesn't need you to create a character to describe such a man. And then create a character for each industry that's a parasite in the same field.
I felt the need to re-read this book because of so many of the characteristics she is known for are coming true daily in the news. I was optimistic that I could gleam some new insight from a re-reading. Instead I'm going on a strike of my own, saying "Who is John Gault?" and putting the book down in favor of another.
