Galt has one overwhelming, blind-spot about “going galt”. It presumes we do not have competitors who are perfectly willing, eager even to take our place.
For example China.
Wake up people. By “going galt” you are simply handing the world to the Chicoms.
The actions taken in the fictional book are idealized and extreme. They don't realistically reflect real life. I went what i call “partially Galt” or “starve the beast” as soon as I knew Obama would win in 2008. I did not start any new projects, told my wife to retire, and cut our household income by 75%. We paid off all our debt. I have lowered tax exposure as much as possible. The only stocks I own are pipeline companies.
Now I wait. Perhaps someday investment will be worthwhile again. Perhaps not. I can wait. In the meantime I'll call it whatever I please, and I call it going Galt.