If you saw Atlas, the giant who holds the world on his shoulders, if you saw that he stood, blood running down his chest, his knees buckling, his arms trembling but still trying to hold the world aloft with the last of his strength, and the greater the effort the heavier the world bore down upon his shoulders -- what would you tell him to do? I don't know. What could he do? What would you tell him? To shrug.

Summary

This quote is from Ayn Rand's novel "Atlas Shrugged." It symbolizes the struggle of Atlas, who carries the weight of the world as a representation of individual ambitions, achievements, and responsibilities. In the face of overwhelming burdens and exhaustion, the quote poses a question about what advice or solution could be given. The answer suggests that in such a predicament, Atlas should simply "shrug," implying the idea of letting go and refusing to bear the weight of the world any longer. It prompts a reflection on the consequences of individuals intentionally withdrawing their effort and support from a society that doesn't value their contributions.

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