WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 10 A.M.: MIDTOWN MANHATTAN. The gleaming, white façade of the International Headquarters of Atlas Fitness Centers commands the east side of Fifth Avenue between 64th and 63rd Streets like a parvenu who thinks others don’t know he’s “just arrived.” On a window above the two doors of the main entrance, the Center’s name in Garamond font is etched in gold. On the glass of each of six display windows, three on each side of the two doors of the main entrance, there is a gold replica of the Atlas figure at New Atlantis, under which are the words “Drug yourself on self-interest.” In each window, bottles of Atlas Energy Drink are arranged in pyramids next to a Titan WholeBody Harmony Machine. High-definition screens play video of ebullient Atlas clients. Starting at the northernmost window, their testimonials about the miracles produced by Atlas Energy and the Titan Machine are broadcast in the street in sequence. Each one begins with an exuberant, “My Atlas program transformed my life.” Then comes a startling specific—like “lowering my cholesterol” or “stabilizing my Parkinson’s.”
In spite of the stagnant, early-morning, spring-summer heat, about 150 customers have been lining up outside the main entrance for about an hour. The line extends east around the corner of 63rd Street. Preferred clients, Atlas members, have access to the Center 24/7 and use a private entrance. These people are (what the Center calls) “newbies”—less affectionately, “live bait”—and are responding to a full-page ad in yesterday’s Times. The coupon most are holding entitles them to buy one Atlas Energy Drink and get one free.
The Center’s response the day after every major ad runs is perfectly scripted. Nothing is left to chance. As soon as “newbies” enter, they sign in at welcome tables. They fill out a registration card, write the name they like to be called, and receive a name tag that reads “I’m [their name] and I want to be drugged on Atlas.” Greeters then escort them to a seat. Today, they’ve preset for 100. So, extra chairs have had to be quickly added. When everyone is seated, either Enrique Reyes, Zora Tremmon, or Albert Swift leads a fifteen-minute presentation on the certified value of the Atlas program.
Today, it’s Enrique. On a white board behind him he writes: Drug Yourself on Atlas and Your Only Interest Is Your Self-Interest.
“Welcome all of you. I am thrilled that you are here. And I’m thrilled to be the one speaking with you today. You got that I’m thrilled, right?” he says smiling, with a calculated wink. “These two power-phrases will change your lives, just as they have for tens of thousands of people already. Our goal at Atlas Fitness is to create the next generation of leaders—SuperAtlases who develop their maximum potential so they can seize opportunity and prosper. By coming here today, you’ve revealed that you are already open to becoming the center of your own universe. By being willing to allow a proven miracle into your life, you can begin the process today. That’s right! The miracle is real and available—now. And this is it. This is where it all starts,” he says, holding up an 8 oz. bottle of Atlas Energy Drink.
“I can absolutely say it’s a miracle because I developed its secret formula. It’s my inspiration. I had the privilege of being at New Atlantis, enjoying the freedom to be creative and entrepreneurial when I hit upon the idea. What do people want, people just like you? I asked myself. A quick, painless, easy, proven way to take control of their lives. And what was the best way to achieve that, I wondered? A power drink, of course. But not just another power drink, one that could be scientifically proven to achieve results. And I was able to develop Atlas Energy because I live in this great country. Free-for-All economics finally did away with all the obstacles that used to make it difficult to bring a product to market because ‘the government’ was looking over everyone’s shoulder—supposedly protecting the public interest. I’d still be waiting for approval, and you would not be able to enjoy the benefits of Atlas Energy, if some government bureaucrat had to approve it. Fortunately, now that we’re free of such socialist propaganda, you’re able to get a full-strength, unadulterated product that’s been scientifically tested and proven by the best researchers we’ve been able to hire.
“Of course, I drink Atlas Energy every day. I know firsthand that it can alter the chemistry of your entire body. It will add years to your life. And not just years, but quality—the concentrated energy and focus that will permit you to be the best that you can be. But you don’t have to believe me. In the back of the room, there are copies of scientific analyses that certify the results users are having—and we also have people right here to speak for themselves.”
Three preferred clients always give the in-person testimonials— sales research has determined that two is too few, four or more too many—all of whom attest to the fact that signing up for an ongoing program, including regular use of the Titan WholeBody Harmony Machine, increases results far beyond simply drinking the drink or doing an occasional workout. Forty-year-old Tom tells the “newbies” that drinking Atlas Energy cured his diabetes. Sixty-ish Emily swears that it lowered her cholesterol. And twenty-five-year-old Tony flexes his pecs, winks, smiles, and says his sex life has never been better. Tom attests to the immense value of enrolling in free, weekly “Self-Interest Workshops,” which are only available to clients who sign up for a year’s fitness program. And Emily adds, “Absolutely, you’ve got to be committed to your self-interest 110 percent, and the thirty-day program is the best way to do that. Drug yourself on Atlas. Free yourself to pursue your self-interest like so many others. Miraculously, results begin as soon as you sign up.”
After every presentation, depending upon the size of the crowd, staff members call out the names of anywhere from ten to fifteen “newbies” and “huddle” with them as a group. They know from experience that there is at least one new center member firm or saleable in every group. As soon as that person signs up, everyone in the group applauds—an affirmation that typically encourages at least two more to enroll. Today, forty-five-year-old Fernando is the first to sign up. He becomes emotional when everyone cheers his decision. “I have a bad heart, but I want to live. From now on, I only want to pursue my self-interest. And I know Atlas Energy Drink will make that possible.”
By the end of a half-hour, small-group session, at least five “newbies” in each huddle have typically signed their enrollment contract and paid for their year’s program. Anyone who hasn’t signed up—“tough cases” in Atlas jargon—is escorted to a private office for a one-on-one consultation (“the massage”) with specially trained sales reps. Group leaders depart with enrollees for the MindBody Harmony Room, where they make an appointment to receive their free total body fitness assessment in preparation for using the Titan Machine. As they leave the Center, they enroll in their first free “Self-Interest Workshop,” and receive two bottles of Atlas Energy Drink, both free because they are now preferred clients.
“Welcome Atlas Fitness Center franchisees,” Enrique Reyes says when he goes to the podium before the 100 men and women seated in the Training Room of the Center at 11 a.m. Behind him is a sign that reads Our clients’ needs are our dollars. “Give yourselves a round of applause,” he adds clapping his hands. “I see John Yates from Philadelphia, Sonya Martin from El Paso, Ingrid Potoff from San Francisco. I could go on, but in the interest of time I’ll stop there. Just know that we know you personally, we’re joined at the hip, even if we haven’t met you in person until now.
“Congratulations! You are now part of a network that is growing daily into the most powerful force for personal transformation. What you have just seen is our weekly sales presentation,” he says pointing to the two-way mirror on the wall. “I hope you can help us improve our skills—and take away successful techniques to improve yours and those of your staff. Energy is my business, if you know what I mean. But I am always ultra-energized after an enrollment session. It is thrilling to see people turn their lives around right before my eyes. And to think it all starts with a sip of Atlas Energy Drink!”
“Zora and Albert, please join me up here,” Enrique continues. Extending his arm around Zora’s back and embracing her right shoulder, he says, “I’d like to introduce Zora Tremmon, who, as all of you know, created the computer and social network programs that link all of your centers. She literally holds Atlas Fitness together. Zora was born in the Corporate States, but her parents fled oppressive socialist regimes in Eastern Europe. They knew John Galt and Dagny Taggart personally and were among the first people to join New Atlantis. She’s as close to an apostle of Free-for-All economics as you’ll find anywhere.
“Albert, what can I say about Albert Swift that isn’t already being said around the world? He’s been on the cover of every leading business and science magazine. He’s the genius who created the Titan WholeBody Harmony Machine that has totally transformed mind-body alignment. Thanks to Albert, every man, woman, and child in the Corporate States can achieve physical and mental perfection. And soon, after we launch our international initiative, we’ll be able to say everyone around the world. On Saturday, June 4, the three of us were inducted into the Circle of Atlas at New Atlantis. It was a thrilling experience. We are proud to say that, by creating Atlas Fitness Centers and the revolutionary programs we—and all of you, of course—offer, we have become the major source of funding for New Atlantis. Through your efforts, we will continue to ensure the ongoing success of the Galtian Restoration and Free-for-All economics. It doesn’t get better than that.
“Now, I know that you’ve all seen headlines reporting what has been called ‘a fiasco’ at New Atlantis recently. Zora, Albert, and I were there when it happened. So, we can tell you firsthand that it was absolutely nothing. But as usual, the press is having a field-day repeating the slander that ‘John Galt is dead’ and saying that terrorists attacked New Atlantis. It’s just hype and even wishful thinking for some. But just look around! Look at the crowd that’s here because of yesterday’s ad! Look at how enthusiastic they are! They, we, all of us are living proof that John Galt lives! Let me assure you, it was nothing more than a childish prank. It’s been blown all out of proportion. We’ve been able to narrow down the suspects to two or three disgruntled former employees. We’re all in business. We know how one or two rotten apples can spoil things for a whole company. Well, soon enough, they’ll get everything they deserve. Professor Manfreed has assured me that he’s already launching a public relations effort that will overcome any negativity. Our enemies soon will discover they have tangled with the wrong opponent.
“A little later, all of you will have a chance to tour our facility. We are so proud of it, especially our Elite Services Suites. As headquarters, we hope to set the pace for all of you. Today’s meeting, the first of many that, I hope, brings us together throughout the year, is about expansion—and higher profits. We need to generate a 100 percent increase in net profit in the next six months to make New Atlantis stronger than ever. We’ve got to drug more of the world on Atlas Energy than ever before—for their good and ours. The recent unpleasantness at New Atlantis is nothing more than a blip on our radar screen, a minor attack. But we take nothing for granted or we’ll wake up one day only to discover that we’ve lost the war. And make no mistake about it: We are at war and we always will be. We need to be forever vigilant, on the offensive, taking action.
“So, let’s talk sales strategy, pure and simple. At this time, I’d like to introduce four irresistible members of our powerhouse staff. They are shining examples of what it takes to produce the best results at Atlas Fitness. Thor, Rick, Bambi, Cheryl, come up here and let the folks take a look at you. Display yourselves!” The audience applauds as they make their way to the front of the room. “Just feast your eyes, folks, and imagine that you are a prospective Atlas client. Could you resist falling in love with these four beauties? Yes, you heard me, I said ‘beauties’! Of course, you couldn’t! That’s the point! But I get ahead of myself. Now, I’ll let them tell you a little about how they sell themselves—and Atlas. Bambi, please begin.”
About 5‘7“, in her mid-twenties, with short blond hair, in a bikini, with her shoulders thrust back to accentuate the fullness and availability of her breasts, like a playful puppy, she bounces her words. “Hi, I’m Bambi. Just Bambi! Everyone knows me as just Bambi. Everyone calls me ‘The Enforcer.’ I’m the one who sees to it that everyone on our staff, and I mean everyone, stays within the physical standards outlined in your franchise manual—no deviations. To sell image, we’ve got to sell flesh. You know from your franchise manual that male staff must be no shorter than 5’11” and no taller than 6‘1“. They must maintain body fat between 14% and 17%. They may weigh no more than 190. Women must be no shorter than 5’6” and no taller than 5'8". They are allowed body fat of between 21% and 24% and can weigh no more than 125. They must have straight, white teeth, well-groomed nails, and clear skin. Everyone is tested daily to be sure they fall within the ranges. Any deviations and they are ‘off the floor,’ as we say, until they are corrected. Two violations in a two-week period are grounds for an automatic dismissal. No exceptions!”
Six feet tall, in his mid-twenties, tan, with red hair and a swimmer’s build, dressed in tight gym shorts and a tank top that accentuates his sculpted upper body, Thor removes the microphone from the podium so he can speak without anything between him and the audience. “Hi everyone,” he says smiling warmly, showing perfect rows of gleaming teeth. “My name is Thor Rentgen. They call me ‘Thor the Bore’ because I train our trainer-recruits and our staff— especially those who serve our elite clients. But I don’t take it personally. I’m the one who sees to it that they achieve maximum physical form and that they stay that way. It’s my job to see to it that everyone looks irresistible, so Bambi doesn’t read them the riot act and no one gets kicked out. Every one of us is an Atlas product. We are showcases for what our clients can be—and should want to be. We need to be living examples of the perfection everyone can achieve. We’ve always got to show our best. I create a personal physical development plan for everyone on our staff. They train at least an hour a day on the Titan WholeBody Harmony Machine and on special equipment available only to staff.”
“Hi, I’m Rick,” who walks up and down the middle aisle of the training room, making no bones about showing off his bubble butt. “I guess I should go next because I’m head of sales here at headquarters. We’re not selling bottles of energy drink or beautiful bodies. We’re really selling love. First we get ’em to love us—our bodies, our smiles, our warmth. We are their dream-come-true. We marry ’em. We own ’em. They’re ours. They can’t believe they could ever be close to anyone like us. We validate them like they’ve never been validated. Then we get ’em to love themselves—and nobody else. We pump up their pecs and set ’em up for Free-for-All economics. And, man, how the money flows!
“In real estate, they say the three most important things are location, location, and location. But in sales, it’s relationship, relationship, relationship. From the time we meet ’em, we are out to build an unshakable bond between them and us—so eventually we are they and they are us, nothing in between. To get ’em drugged on Atlas we’ve got to get into their heads. They don’t even know what hit ’em, except they never want it to be over. And as long as they can pay, it never will be. And the more they pay, the better life will be for ’em.
“Our special enhancing mirrors, with unique angle adjustments, are designed so clients can see the bodies they can have, not just the pathetic excuse for one they have now. You’ll never find a harsh, white light bulb in here. Pink-tinted lights make clients’ skin look soft and clear and wholesome. People’s weight varies throughout the course of the day. Our specially developed scales are ‘weight-averaged,’ so people’s weight will appear five pounds less than it actually is.
“And now let me fill you in about our Elite Client Services. In a word, they are ‘gravy.’ They have become our most profitable revenue stream. They are a pure example of a savvy business adapting to meet market desires. Our staff began reporting that some of our most exclusive clients, especially corporate executives, wanted private, one-on-one sessions. Especially those who weren’t in good physical shape didn’t feel comfortable using the Titan machines with other people around. Also, power-clients were often available at odd hours. They need people who work with them to be flexible. They’re also used to being pampered. They love to be made to feel special.
“So, our center is open 24/7 to satisfy our elite clients’ every need—in person, by phone, email, text message, you name it. Of course, in person is preferred! Our clients have favorites, as you may well imagine. So, staff members, including trainees, are always on call for elites. They all live on the second floor. Each has a fully furnished studio apartment. Our elite clients pay extra for a wide variety of personalized services. The sky’s the limit.
“Thinking like all good Free-for-All entrepreneurs, we created ten luxurious, private, two-room suites for our elites on the first floor, in which staff may meet with them discreetly. They are in great demand. In fact, we already have architectural plans drawn for additional suites, that are even more luxurious. As you’ll see when you tour our facility, there’s an exercise room with a dedicated Titan machine in each suite, as well as a bedroom and bath for anyone who wishes to spend the night. We do everything to make them feel at home. Many clients reserve the same day and time each week. Many schedule the same staff member to be with them. Rates vary, depending upon the services provided and the length of stay. But as you can imagine, with elites, price is no object. Staff members receive a generous commission on elite services. Enrique is planning to tell you more about starting your own Elite program, so I’ll stop here. Just let me assure you, your bottom line will bulge like you wouldn’t believe.”
“Hi, I’m Cheryl Watkins,” the bouncy ex-beauty queen effuses. “Fly me to prosperity. Just kidding—not! But that’s really how I feel about my role at Atlas Fitness. Obviously, I’m next. There’s no one left. I run our workshops. And I’m not just saying that they are the most important part of Atlas because they’re mine. They really are our lifeblood. Yes, they are a source of revenue. But importantly, if we build people’s bodies and satisfy their needs without reinforcing their belief in Free-for-All economics, we will have failed in our mission. All of you have the list of current workshop offerings, starting with the two foundational ones, ‘Drug Yourself on Atlas’ and ‘Your Only Interest Is Your Self-Interest.’ So, I want to mention two brand new offerings.
“I am so proud of ‘A World without Pity.’ We offered it last month for the first time and it has had rave reviews. It is four power-packed sessions, like all of our workshops. But it’s unique because of the field component. I’m so excited when I talk about it that I get ahead of myself. First, the goal of the program is to free participants of the emotion of pity. They get to see that it is one of the roots of all evil. They get to recognize how it saps their creativity, most often without their even realizing it. Through a simple but powerful process, participants discover how pity cripples those who pity and those who are pitied. Homework, the field component, is so exciting. Participants have to go out into the world around them and make a list of every situation in which they find themselves showing any signs of compassion, caring, feeling—anything on the continuum of pity. Then, they learn how to work through it. One of my favorite exercises is called ‘Laugh ’til it hurts.’ It’s so simple. Participants take turns describing a pitiful situation of their choosing—and then the whole group laughs at it. It works like a charm! At the end of four weeks, they understand that they don’t have to think twice about anyone else. They are truly free for the first time in their lives. They understand that pity is for suckers and charity is for dupes. And they’ve developed senses of humor.
“We’re two weeks into the first offering of our ‘Profit without Pity’ workshop, and we’re already getting rave reviews. It’s a natural followup to ‘A World without Pity.’ Participants say their lives are completely transformed. Once they understand the power of living without pity—that they don’t owe anybody else anything, and nobody owes them anything—they are liberated to take everything they want when they want it wherever they find it, without answering to anyone. They’ve learned to see greed and selfishness as positives—and to be proud to be called grasping and self-centered. At the end of four sessions, they’ll actually speak a different language. It’s that powerful. As the song goes, they’ll ‘accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative, and not mess with Mr. In-between.’ They’ll have a whole set of empowering mantras, like ‘My ends justify my means’ and ‘Winner takes it all.’
“During your visit today, I hope you’ll review the training manuals for both of the workshops and purchase them in quantity for your staff. I’m available to train them in delivering the programs onsite at your centers, of course.”
“Everyone, let’s give Thor, Rick, Bambi, and Cheryl a thunderous hand,” Enrique says, leading the applause. “Now you see why headquarters is so successful! Our Elite Client Services program has evolved and is still evolving. But already it is our top priority—and a major source of increased revenue. We leave it up to each staff member to cultivate and maintain clients. As Rick said, it’s all about relationship, relationship, relationship. If you want your cash register to ring, never lose sight of that fact or let your staff forget it. During the course of today, please sign up for your private session with me to discuss implementing your Elite program. I’ll give you all the details, suggested commission rates, and other incentives.
“I’m also pleased to announce that we will soon be launching Atlas Super Energy Drink, the next generation of our miracle-in-a-bottle. As its name suggests, it is extra-potent and extra-effective. It is also twice as expensive as regular Atlas Energy. But enough from headquarters for the moment. Let’s hear updates from the field. Don’t wait to be called on. Feel free to stand up—and tell us who you are.”
A man whose head is shaved and who appears to be about 6'3" jumps up like a jack-in-the-box. “I’ll be the first. Hello, everyone,” he says, extending his arms in an embrace that takes in the whole room. “I’m Alex Henderson from the Sacramento Center. I am thrilled to be here and to be part of Atlas Fitness. It’s the best damn franchise— ever. Anyone who says you can’t make it in the Corporate States is a socialist fool. We’ve doubled our membership in the last three months. We’re running out of space and are looking at moving into a new facility—probably renting with an option to buy. We’ve got two, that’s right two, secret weapons. First, we’re got the hottest women and men in all of Northern California on our staff. Make that all of California! Let me tell you: Flesh sells. I am very interested in your Elite program, so please schedule me for your first one-on-one. And second, we don’t wait for people to come to us. Our hotties go everywhere there is to go. I’ve got an RV filled to the brim with Atlas Energy Drink and we sell bottles hand-over-fist right from there. We go into neighborhoods. We go to malls. We’re outside of movie theaters hustling crowds. We get their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. And before long we’ve got ’em coming in to try out the Titans and buy more drink.” The whole audience stands and applauds. “Go, Al. Go, Al. Yes, yes, yes,” they chant.
A woman with a sour puss gets up even before Henderson sits. “Well, I don’t want to put a damper on all of Al’s success. But we’ve got a major problem. I’m Cheryl Atkins and this is my business partner Mike Paul. We’re from the Chicago Center. Unfortunately, we’re across from Grant Park, which these days has been turned into a Cooperville. You know what that means—a steady stream of dispossessed, stinking riffraff. For those of you who don’t know Chicago, it used to be a showplace. The Art Institute, the Museum of Natural History, and the Aquarium are all there. But now everywhere you look, there are people living in tents, cardboard boxes, and even in the open in sleeping bags. The Memorial Fountain, the beautiful landmark, was turned into a bathtub until the city shut off the water and drained it. Now, they’re pissing in it for spite. Hundreds of them go out during the night and put ‘John Galt Is Dead!’ stickers everywhere, including all over the front of our building. It’s like an infection. It’s the biggest drag on business you can imagine. And we’re hurting.”
“We’ve even got unreformed do-gooders passing out food and giving those bums money,” Mike Paul adds without standing up. “They’re only making matters worse. Those lazy sons-of-bitches need a good swift kick in the ass so they’ll go out and get a job. I’ve heard all their talk about there not being any work, but they’re full of it.”
“Cheryl, Mike, and anyone else whose business is suffering because of a Cooperville,” Enrique says, “don’t worry. You’ll hear from Professor Manfreed in a few minutes about how Washington is going to take care of all those deadbeats once and for all. I promise you!”
A tall, tanned man in his forties calls out, “Enrique, I’ve got a different problem, and I’m really concerned about it. I’m Richard Foster from the Indianapolis Center. We’ve been getting reports of bad reactions to the Energy Drink—like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset.”
“I’m shocked,” Enrique replies. “And of course that can’t be. People must have the flu or something. You’ve all seen the scientific evidence of the effectiveness and safety of Atlas Energy. There’s absolutely no basis in fact for any negative reactions to the miracle formula.”
“Enrique, sorry to hit you with some more bad news. I’m Elinor Ridge from the St. Louis Center. We’ve had complaints of severe lower back pain after clients use Titan machines.”
“Enrique, I can answer this, if you don’t mind,” says Albert Smith. “Clients are obviously not using machines properly. It is impossible for Titans to cause physical damage of any kind. The physics of their engineering is so precise and reliable, that using it can’t hurt anyone, even if they tried. It would automatically compensate for it. That’s how innovative Titans are. I know it sounds eerie, but they almost think.”
“I’ll vouch for that,” Thor Rentgen adds. “The only time I’ve ever had clients complain about lower back pain is when they’ve done exercises outside of their Titan regimen. They’re told not to deviate from their Atlas program, but of course too often they do. Some people don’t want to listen. So, you’ve gotta make absolutely certain that your clients know they have to follow their regimen precisely.”
“We value all of your observations—yes, even something that might be critical or negative,” Enrique says dismissively. “But as you know, we stand 100 percent behind Atlas Fitness. Well, unless we have any more non-problem problems—and I repeat that we welcome them—let’s move on to expansion. As I mentioned, we need to get to 200 centers fully operational by December 31 of this year. That’s a tall order in a little more than six months. But the more people who drug themselves on Atlas, the more profitable we’ll all be. And I don’t have to remind you that the bottom line is our bottom line, our only bottom line. And the best way to expand is for each of you to clone yourselves. Open another branch. Spread the word. Reap the profit. Let’s take a twenty-minute break. And during that time, please schedule your one-on-one meeting with one of our staff members to discuss your center’s expansion strategy, including putting in place an ‘Elite Client Program.’ Believe me, that will pay off more than you can ever imagine. It’s now 11. Be back at 11:20 sharp.”
After the break, when everyone is seated, Zora Tremmon makes a grand entrance into the training room, smiling at all the franchisees and walking backwards down the middle aisle with both hands outstretched, palms open. “Waaay to go,” she says. “I see that everyone signed up for a one-on-one expansion strategy session.” Pointing to the sixty-five inch TV screen on the wall, she says, “In a few minutes you’re going to have the honor and privilege of hearing from the god of Free-for-All economics, my idol and mentor Professor Hilton Manfreed. But first, I can’t tell you how delighted I am to meet all of you in person. I feel as though I know all of you from our emails and videoconferences. I know it’s heresy to say it these days, but there’s nothing like face-to-face time between people working together.
“Every time I hear Professor Manfreed speak, I get high on our mission and purpose. Of course, I drink Atlas Energy faithfully every day. But the professor is his own kind of drug—and the more you absorb his wisdom, the more successful you’ll be. You all know him as the father of Free-for-All economics, the inspiration for the ongoing Galtian Restoration. Without him, I don’t know where we’d be today. Oh yes I do. We’d be wallowing in socialistic bombast and none of you would be here. His sweeping vision of the world is directly responsible for the success of Atlas Fitness. So, I’m thrilled to be a part of Atlas Fitness, because it ‘gives back’ to New Atlantis.
“Professor Manfreed,” Zora continues, “we are thrilled to have you with us.”
“Thank you, Zora,” he replies, grinning broadly. “And as usual, thank you for your glowing introduction. Knowing that someone like you is carrying the torch of John Galt’s vision, following in my footsteps, means everything to me. You are our future—and so is every franchisee of an Atlas Fitness Center. So, let me say right off the bat that no one should have any doubts that the spirit of John Galt is alive and well. Don’t believe any of the nonsense you’ve heard about our being on the verge of being destroyed. Quite the contrary! Of course, our enemies—we’ve always had them and we always will—want you to believe we’re about to go under. They’ll keep lying about us—and the rogue press will continue to twist and exaggerate their claims. But it won’t do them any good because our message is positive and most citizens of the Corporate States know it. It’s the only message that people want to hear because it liberates them from servitude and frees them to pursue their dreams without guilt.
“Our enemies are guilt-inducing predators who try to subjugate the rest of society. They are orchestrating the downfall of western civilization. They say they want to protect the environment. But they scream that the sky is falling down without reliable scientific proof—unless you think that just because someone has won a Nobel Prize they’re credible. Then, they concoct rules to end crises they fabricate and that simply take money out of all of our pockets. The bounty of the Earth is to be conquered by the strong, not redistributed to the weak as their reward for simply breathing in and breathing out. There are no disasters—natural or manmade. They are buying opportunities. Human beings rule nature. We’re not just one of many equal species in the scheme of things. And the strongest among us are destined to thrive and rule the weakest.
“Our enemies preach social responsibility so they can take what you’ve got and give it to the weak and lazy. Do you see the pattern here? Of course you do! You’d be on the giving end of the equation if John Galt were really dead—but you’re not and you won’t be as long as I’ve got anything to say about it.
“Remember this above all, a cardinal principle of Free-for-All economics: There’s no such thing as an economic downturn. I know that you’ve been hearing for years that totally free markets exploit people, throw them out of work, and simply make the rich richer. But again and again, research has proven the validity of ‘The I-Factor,’ the natural law of inequality. Nature abhors similarity and equality. Only the unique survive. You have a moral obligation to think ‘I’—that you are all there is—and to protect your ‘I’ from the deadly ‘we’ mentality.
“Let me tell you a story about a family that, as the saying goes, ‘had it all,’ but then had it taken from them, literally stolen, in the name of equality, doing right by others. In sixty years, they grew a small farm into a major agribusiness—HarvestCo in Southern California. Their laborers were migrants who chose their way of living, chose to marry, chose to have children, and chose to work where they were working. Everything was working just fine. Things were the way that had always been. The business thrived. Everybody knew their place.
“But then, outside agitators came in like snakes and tried to form a union. They poisoned the workers. They claimed the business was exploiting them, that it was underpaying them, should have been providing healthcare, should have seen to it that children were going to school not harvesting in the fields. They had a bagful of ‘shoulds’ for everybody and everything. They claimed that all the growers in the area were acting illegally because they said they conspired to set wages. So, they said workers had a right to join together to fight their exploiters and oppressors. You know, they just spouted all the socialist, communist rhetoric we’ve heard for years. There’s nothing new in economic class warfare. You’ll keep hearing it until they finally give up or we crush them once and for all, which may happen sooner than you realize.
“They demanded, and demanded, and demanded. They demanded what they called a ‘living wage’ for everyone, some figure they made up. It was way more than the minimum wage, which they weren’t getting anyway. They demanded housing with electricity and inside plumbing and free rent. They demanded that a nurse be present in the fields at all times and that a doctor be on call. And they demanded that children under sixteen be able to go to school. Well, none of those demands were met—or were ever going to be met. So, they flexed their muscles, and for the first time ever, just before the harvest, workers packed up and walked out. They targeted only HarvestCo to make an example of it for all the other growers. Eventually, everyone else caved in and met their demands.
“But we didn’t. I say ‘we’ because my family owned HarvestCo. My father said he would never give in to demands. We were forced into bankruptcy. And the only way we could settle our debts was to sell our land, literally dirt cheap, to a developer who built cheap tract housing. My family lost everything after decades of working and building equity. I was robbed of my inheritance. I was born to wealth that was stolen from me. I was in my teens when it happened, but I never forgot it. How could I?
“You’ve got a God-given right to hold on to everything you’ve got. You don’t owe anybody anything. You’ve got a right to run your business the way you want to—and that’s that. If someone doesn’t like it, they can quit or not come to work for you in the first place. If customers don’t like it, they can spend their money somewhere else. The market trumps some government intruder in your affairs telling you what to do and how to do it. Follow your arrogance. There is too much ‘we’ in the world, not enough ‘I.’ Life is a competition. You live and die in your own skin. In the end, no one’s on your team but you.
“I know all of you have heard about the recent unpleasantness at New Atlantis. So I want to reassure you that we are in the process of implementing a dynamite, two-part strategy to put an end to our opposition. All of you are key to the success of part one: Getting rid of the blight of Coopervilles. They are a black eye on Ham Cooper’s presidency. He even goes ballistic when he hears the word. We can’t have any of them around before the next election. They have to be eradicated, along with all the human trash living there. It makes me physically ill to see what they’ve done to Central Park, just a few blocks from you.
“We need all of you to help bug Coopervilles near you. Send someone in, or go in yourself if you can stand it, hire as many people as you can for a few hours on different days, even if it’s just to sweep your floors. The important thing is to pump them for information. We need to find out who the leaders are and what they’re planning. Transmit any intelligence you get to Atlas Fitness Headquarters as soon as you can so it can be forwarded to the proper authorities.
“Part two of our strategy is, well, I think, brilliant. And I can say that because I didn’t think of it. It is the work of Professor Doppelmann, the world’s leading expert on psycho, psycho-lexicality—or something like that. We are about to blanket the country with a public relations campaign that will overpower our enemies. The phrase ‘John Galt is dead’ is going to be on land, sea, and in the air. No one will be able to escape it. We’re going to…”
Everyone in the training room becomes visibly agitated. “Professor Manfreed, I’m sorry to interrupt,” Enrique says openly troubled. “But you said that ‘John Galt is dead’ is going to be on land, sea, and in the air?”
“That’s impossible,” Manfreed replies. “Of course, I said, ‘John Galt is dead.’”
“I’m sorry, Professor, but you said it again.”
“Let’s move on. You all know what I actually meant,” Manfreed says, dismissively.
Suddenly, the video connection is lost and the screen goes black. A strange voice repeats, “John Galt is dead.” The audience is noticeably confused. Multiple hands raise. “Let’s wait to ask questions until after lunch,” a puzzled Enrique says. “Be back at 1:30.”