Атлант расправил плечи

           Justthesortofmindweneed.Youcandoanything.Youcouldmakethingsworkifyouwantedto."

           "Allright,putityourownway:Idon’twantto.Idon’twanttobeanEconomicDictator,notevenlongenoughtoissuethatorderforpeopletobefree—whichanyrationalhumanbeingwouldthrowbackinmyface,becausehe’dknowthathisrightsarenottobeheld,givenorreceivedbyyourpermissionormine."

           "Tellme,"saidMr.Thompson,lookingathimreflectively,"whatisityou’reafter?"

           "Itoldyouontheradio."

           "Idon’tgetit.Yousaidthatyou’reoutforyourownselfishinterest—andthat,Icanunderstand.Butwhatcanyoupossiblywantinthefuturethatyoucouldn’tgetrightnow,fromus,handeddowntoyouonaplatter?Ithoughtyouwereanegoist—andapracticalman.Iofferyouablankcheckonanythingyouwish—andyoutellmethatyoudon’twantit,Why?"

           "Becausetherearenofundsbehindyourblankcheck."

           "What?"

           "Becauseyouhavenovaluetoofferme."

           "Icanofferyouanythingyoucanask.Justnameit."

           "Younameit."

           "Well,youtalkedalotaboutwealth.Ifit’smoneythatyouwant—youcouldn’tmakeinthreelifetimeswhatIcanhandovertoyouinaminute,thisminute,cashonthebarrel.