A couple of things stood out to me in this chapter:
When Dagney says to herself while working late and being alone, “This is not the world I expected”. How many of us will be saying that pretty soon? Or have been saying it now? Thank goodness we have FR to talk to like-minded people to stave off the mental loneliness that Dagney was feeling.
What about crime? That same scene, with alleys, half-demolished buildings, late at night, her being alone and seeing a stranger loiter by her doorway - in todays’ world, it could be a dangerous situation. Yet, she felt no fear and even went after the stranger. Perhaps with everone’s needs met, they had no need for crime. But I don’t think that fits in with human nature - everyone wants more, more, more.
The government loans for 2/3 of the money for buying businesses for owners who “have never had a chance”. Sounds a lot like recent events of banks being forced to give loans to people who cannot repay them.
Lastly, the part about Hank Rearden being a greedy monster because he made money and supposedly didn’t help anyone hit home. I recently had an acquaintance (ie., a liberal I’ve known for years but wouldn’t call a friend) lambast CEOs and how much they made. Envy rears its ugly head again - but only for those employed in capitalistic endeavors. When asked about those employed in Hollywood or athletes that probably make more than most CEOs, he had no class envy for them. I pointed out that Hollywood is doing more to promote immorality than CEOs and many athletes using drugs are poor role models for our kids - he didn’t care about that. Only the CEOs are “evil”.
All the criminals were in government or tied to government.
I usually feel alone in my opinions when I am among fellow workers, and neighbors. I choose my friends carefully,while my small family and I are largely in accord on most things political.
Appreciate the post in the midst of this also awesome AS Review.