"Atlas Shrugged" is a novel written by Ayn Rand, published in 1957. It explores a dystopian future where society's most productive individuals, including inventors and business leaders, begin to disappear. The story follows Dagny Taggart, a railroad executive, as she struggles to keep her business afloat while uncovering the reasons behind the mysterious disappearances. The book presents themes of individualism, capitalism, and the role of government in society. It advocates for the idea that the mind is the source of human progress and that individuals should pursue their own happiness. The title refers to the metaphorical "Atlas" who bears the weight of the world.