Summary

Chapter 7: “This is John Galt Speaking”

Hank disappears. He sends Dagny a note that says only, “I have met him. I don't blame you.” Without him, the steel industry decreases. The country is panicked and violent gangs gain control. Newspapers conflict each other in their stories, and the collapse of society is obvious.

The government announces that Mr. Thompson, the Head of State, will give a speech on all stations to address the crisis. At the moment the speech is about to begin, the airwaves are taken over and Galt addresses the public instead. He gives a long, detailed speech about the way the nation is, as well as explaining the strike of the mind. In the speech, Galt explains the principles that every man should live under: reason, purpose, and self-esteem. He calls for a general strike, asking everyone with any...