In Ayn Rand's classic novel, Atlas Shrugged, Ragner Danneskjold embodies the anti-Robin Hood spirit. In Danneskjold's eyes, Robin Hood represents the justification for robbing the rich to satisfy the needs of the poor. The legendary hero was charitable, but not from his own resources. He freely dispensed the wealth of his superiors and gave it to the needy. Danneskjold compares this medieval legend to his contemporary times in which he raises opposition against systems that, in his opinion, extort the profits of the rich through (il)legal taxes, etc. Danneskjold's aim is to sabotage all humanitarian aid and aid aimed at helping the poor. , and fill the coffers of the rich whose properties have been stolen. His belief is rooted in the principle that poverty does not confer the right to steal nor does necessity undermine morality, even when the ends justify the means. Under the guise of philanthropy, Robin Hood robs. Robin Hood is praised as a provider for the poor and as a defender of the rights of the poor to survive based on the profitability of the rich. In this case we observe that Danneskjold represents meritocracy in its strictest sense. (expand). In the broadest aspect, we understand that man will always have needs to satisfy, but having satisfied them by transgressing the laws of justice does nothing but degrade him to a selfish and indiscriminate creature. The idealized Robin Hood is challenging and courageous. Danneskjold is against the illegal attempt at equal distribution of wealth that Robin Hood tried to bring about. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Another of Ayn Rand's major philosophies is Reason, the theme of which is highlighted in the conflict between the Middle Ages and the Enlightenment. The legend of Robin Hood arises from the medieval Anglo-Saxon tradition in which moral, spiritual and intellectual darkness enveloped Europe. The Renaissance had not yet emerged so the invention, naval exploration, philosophy and science that characterize modernity were not yet pronounced. Danneskjold is against the Middle Ages as he is against Robin Hood. The Dark Ages encouraged religion and faith, while the Age of Reason promoted atheism and rationalism. By destroying Robin Hood, Danneskjold effectively repudiates everything the Middle Ages represent while embracing the Enlightenment. In this same passage he also alludes to the French Revolution which originated from the Age of Reason and developed concurrently with the Enlightenment. The philosophes believed in the power of human progress through mental effort and in reaching rational rather than religious or sentimental solutions. The chapter “The Moratorium on Brains” explains brain inactivity/inaction, where the mind is not engaged or alive. Danneskjold fights against the brain moratorium and urges rational thinking and establishes a close link between the French Revolution and the spirit of Robin Hood. As the French Revolution saw the triumph of the common peasants when they guillotined the aristocracy, so, Dannneskjold saw what he perceived as the guillotining of the wealthy producers by the poor unproductive parasites who drained resources from the rich. Class conflict is nothing new, and as it existed in Robin Hood's era in England and revolutionary France, so in Danneskjold's contemporary world war rages between plundering lower classes and wealthy entrepreneurs. It is class conflict that sets the stage for controversy... The predominant values ​​that prevailed during the Age of Reason are liberalism, laissez faire capitalism, and the anti-welfare state. Liberalism validatedthe superior right and freedom of the individual over the collectivism of society. Collectivism states that the greater good of the majority surpasses individual will. In medieval England, Robin Hood exploited the wealth of a wealthy few to ensure that the mass of the poor earned/benefited, thus he embodied this collectivist policy/school of thought. Those of the upper classes were not entitled to their own resources due to the urgent need of the (majority). Likewise, during the time of the French Revolution, the spirit of Robin Hood manifested itself when the wealth and property of those living in the upper strata was seized, plundered and shared among the peasant masses. Laissez-faire capitalism sees government intervention in the financial affairs of individuals as an interference that transgresses individual rights. Danneskjold says he killed Robin Hood by intercepting government relief ships, dole ships, loan ships, and gift ships. The state implements the policy of redistribution of wealth and obtains these resources through heavy taxation of the rich and transfers them to the needy. Robin Hood's goal was to level wealth and balance the nation's economy by stealing from the rich and giving it to the poor. This humanitarian redistribution of wealth reflects the principle of the welfare state. In this system, the state provides "alms" to poor and needy citizens, so the wealthy must donate to help those who are less fortunate, while the state, like Robin Hood, funnels these funds to the needy. as Robin Hood's antagonist, he ironically transforms into a type/form of Robin Hood. As the saying goes "it takes a thief to catch a thief", Danneskjold becomes an outlaw himself as he attempts to reverse what Robin Hood has accomplished by recovering what the rich have lost by stealing from the poor thieves. As Robin Hood embodies outlaw virtue, similarly, Danneskjold has a virtue of his own that was illegal as his actions worked against the government and established authorities. Ayn Rand's Objectivism philosophizes that "the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as his goal." moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute." His statement encapsulates his beliefs in individualism, rational egoism, liberalism, human progress, and in reason Danneskjold argues that the spirit of Robin Hood promotes the cult of mediocrity among the poor. High achievers must suffer because lower achievers suffer. Unearned resources are distributed and fuel the desire for gain as the poor they survive by stealing from the rich. Indeed, the Robin Hood myth states that Robin Hood and his Merry Men made their living not by their own sweat and toil, but by the flesh of another. Mediocrity stagnates production and hinders the. economy by atrophying the weak, who suffer due to lack of utility. The dependence of the mass population on the resources of the rich (acquired comforts) deludes them into a false sense of stability and complacency. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom EssayDirective 10-289 is the policy that dictated/decreed to deprive citizens of economic freedom by depriving them of certain rights. Point three of Directive 10-289 states that all patents, copyrights...devices, inventions, formulas, processes and works of any nature, must be delivered to the nation as a patriotic emergency via gift certificates, etc. In this section of the directive, the law subtracts...