Atlas Shrugged

In this photo collection, I embody Dagny Taggart from Ayn Rand's novel. This collection represents strength, determination, and independence. I wanted to convey the spirit of the book, but through my own image and a contemporary lens.

Symbols in the Photoshoot:

The Railway:

The railway symbolizes Dagny's lifelong dedication to her work. It represents determination and resoluteness, an unwavering belief in her work as a tool for self-realization and the strength to fight for it, even when all doors seem closed.

"Action presupposes a goal worthy of action." – Ayn Rand, "Atlas Shrugged"

The Gun:

The gun symbolizes love worth defending. Dagny believes in true love and will not settle for less, staying open to meeting someone who truly matches her. She chooses her work, and even when in love, she prioritizes herself and her goals. When she meets her true counterpart, she finds not only understanding and immense support but an equal, a bearer of an idea capable of changing the world – John Galt. Moreover, she arms herself and saves him, always remaining the main character of her own story.

"Love is our response to our highest values, and can be given only to the man who personifies those values." – Ayn Rand, "Atlas Shrugged"

"True love is a force that does not demand sacrifices but enriches both parties."

Paper Airplanes:

Paper airplanes represent team spirit and mutual respect. The idea of a team of like-minded individuals who value the win-win-win principle in everything. These people, gathered by John Galt, build their dreams, companies, businesses, and ideas, expanding their capabilities and talents, respecting each person’s right to their own actions, victories, and mistakes. In search of answers, Dagny boards a plane to follow one of the group's members, not yet knowing who he is. She flies into the unknown for answers and support, and she receives them.

"The noblest act you can perform is to act in your own self-interest." – Ayn Rand, "Atlas Shrugged"

"The ideal team is a union of strong individuals who support and inspire each other."

The Bitcoin Cigarette:

In the original book, the cigarette bears the dollar symbol; here, it has the Bitcoin symbol, representing the struggle for freedom and individuality. The heroes oppose those who want to level everyone, suppressing personal strength and others' ambitions. Businessmen in the book symbolize a free society, and cigarettes with the dollar/Bitcoin symbol are a symbol of the struggle for freedom, the struggle of the unrecognized, unspoken, but best representatives.

"We are in a world that wants to level everyone, but true heroes fight for their uniqueness and freedom."

"When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal not in goods, but in favors; when you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws don't protect you against them, but protect them against you; when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice, you may know that your society is doomed. Money is the barometer of a society’s virtue." – Ayn Rand, "Atlas Shrugged"

"The freedom of individuality and ambition is what drives the world forward."

I am convinced that if Ayn were writing the book today, she would use the Bitcoin symbol. Here, in Web3, we now see that very rebellious, creative generation ready to build and trust, respecting others and creating their own. Yes, there are many deceivers and dishonesty here, but that’s why we always need to stay close to those who share our values and protect them together. Cigarettes with the Bitcoin symbol are a silent recognition sign for those who understand, for those who see no point in a world where there is no place for them.

The Paper:

Paper symbolizes the search for truth and commitment to one’s path. The idea of seeking truth as a commitment to one’s path, despite all obstacles and difficulties, is one of the main ideas of the book. Even while resting, Dagny and Rearden continue to think about their work and discover an abandoned factory with ancient blueprints left by previous owners. In the book, these are the blueprints for a perpetual motion machine. In my photoshoot, I printed the Bitcoin whitepaper. Like the cigarette, Bitcoin and cryptocurrency symbolize independence and support for those creating their own world.

"Thousands of paths are open to you. Choose your path and follow it no matter how difficult it is." – Ayn Rand, "Atlas Shrugged"

"True strength is the ability to follow your path, no matter what."

This book is still the subject of debate and discussion, but I hope that you will be able to draw your own conclusions, and my task was to express my delight in the main character Dagny and, at best, to inspire you to read Atlas Shrugged. Let this collection embody your inner strength and independence, inspiring new achievements and great deeds.

Idea IRA @nftsiti

Photographer Regina Savkina @niktarrina_ph

Full collection blastr.xyz/ira/about