“In the name of the best within you, do not sacrifice this world to those who are its worst.
In the name of the values that keep you alive, do not let your vision of man be distorted by the ugly, the cowardly, the mindless in those who have never achieved his title.
Do not lose your knowledge that man’s proper estate is an upright posture, an intransigent mind and a step that travels unlimited roads.
Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all.
Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach.
Check your road and the nature of your battle.
The world you desired can be won, it exists, it is real, it is possible, it’s yours.”
Quote from John Galt’s final rant ~ Atlas Shrugged ~ authored by Ayn Rand.
Thirty (30) years ago, in 1979, I read this book and promptly quit my cushy, entertaining 30-Something-ish, high-paid Federal Government job.
I had guts then.
A year later, in 1980, I began my long serpentine journey with State Government.
Today, a fat paperback copy of Atlas Shrugged sits on my desk ~ staring me down each day.
It’s a subtle reminder that I do have choices.
Until tomorrow ~ God willing,
Woodswoman
Very nice! I needed this passage about a month ago. Nice photos too. Love the moody fall skies.
Comment by Shannon — October 6, 2009 @ 12:51 am
Oh my, ” do not let the the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life deserved but have never been able to reach” …. wow, what a fit to my heart lately. Thank you I enjoy your blog and photos’ , so much !
Comment by Andria Wolf — October 10, 2009 @ 3:40 am
My husband and I are Objectivists. We stand for a philosophy of life that your great, Mrs.Ayn Rand, wrote of. Atlas Shrugged and Fountainhead are my two favorite novels. They are so great and such an inspiration to my husband and I. We have dreams and we WILL acheive them. We are going to own around 40 acres one day, as well. We want to make our own way in world. Providing for ourselves and doing alot like you are doing. I came across your website and fell in love with your business, his Furniture, your lifestyle, your land and all that you two do! And anyone else who works there. If we were near you (I live in FL) we would visit your ranch! Anyways, WOW. Great job at everything! AND DO read Atlas Shrugged. Or Fountain head. You will not regret rereadind the most amazing novel in the world!
Comment by Rachel Chandler — October 26, 2009 @ 12:03 am