The parasites of Atlas shrugged their shouldersIn this world, and in the world imagined by Ayn Rand, there are two kinds of people: those who live to create and those who wish to live as parasites. nourish yourself with the benefits of these creations. In Atlas Shrugged, she explores what might happen when the creators of the world stop creating; parasites must try to live on their own. The novels written by Miss Rand always reflect this sort of thing. She writes about the battle between the two types of people, as some write about the battles between good and evil. In reality, each side of the battle can be equated in these terms. These writings provide a detailed analysis of both forces and leave the reader with a deep sense of vitality and inspiration. The group of parasites, or as the novel calls them, “looters,” lead futile lives. Looters are those who prefer not to think, not to act, not to really exist, as much as possible. They attend trivial social evenings and follow, like a mad flock, the latest fashion trends. In Atlas Shrugged, the main social concern of these second-hand dealers is that of equality in capitalism. They can't support themselves, so they attack those who can. They claim to be champions of the oppressed in an economy that appears to be collapsing. They believe that anyone who works only to succeed is evil and must be stopped. These plunderers, who ride on the backs of these people, completely believe that we owe them our lives because they exist. They feel that they should be loved because they are alive, not for any accomplishment or display of worth on their part. For these people, the existence of something innovative, strong or fearless is a slap in the face, so they adjust...... middle of paper ...... She writes about the type of person that we can only hope still exists in this world. The message of his writings and his philosophy is contained in a single sentence from the novel: "I swear by my life and by the love I have for it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask for another man to live for mine.” (731). It is an inspiration that awakens an inner voice and a motivation that pushes each person to do their best. It implores the reader's soul to awaken, to become the ideal of the human spirit, and to rise until it can rise no higher. It is a call to anyone with reason, to anyone with the strength to be an Atlas, and it reminds them of their duty to live up to individual potential. As long as there are those who hear the message, there will still be hope for humanity. Works Cited: Rand, Ayn. Atlas shrugged his shoulders. New York: Signet, 1957.