Galt

Galt is a surname, most notably attached to John Galt, the mysterious protagonist of Ayn Rand's novel *Atlas Shrugged*.

The phrase Who is John Galt? appears throughout the book as an expression of resignation and despair.

In libertarian and objectivist circles, going Galt means withdrawing one's productive talents from a society perceived as hostile to achievement—refusing to contribute to a system that penalizes success.