How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Volume.Chapter.Section.Page). We used the 50th Anniversary Edition published by Signet Books in 2007.
Quote #4
"Thank you," she said softly.
"For what?"
"For...for the way you sound"
"How do I sound? Name it Dagny."
"You sound...as if you're happy."
"I am – in exactly the same way you are. Don't tell me what you feel. I know it. But, you see, the measure of hell you're able to endure is the measure of your love." (3.2.6.96-101)
Francisco presents one of the book's more paradoxical ideas here: that some happiness exists even in the midst of pain. Francisco underwent a lot of bad times when he joined the strike, but by living his values fully, he found some degree of happiness.
Quote #5
"I can't ask you to forgive me – we're far beyond such terms – and the only atonement I can offer you is the fact that I am happy. That I am happy, my darling, not that I suffer. I am happy that I have seen the truth – even if the power of sight is all that's left to me now." (3.3.3.71)
Hank takes a rather non-traditional view of happiness, and of breaking-up with someone, when he finds happiness in the truth. Hank also importantly links happiness and "sight" here, which ties into ideas of not living in denial and of facing reality.
Quote #6
"Are they? They have a weapon against you. It's their only weapon, but it's a terrible one. Ask yourself what it is, some time."
"Where do you see any evidence of it?"
"In the unforgivable fact that you're as unhappy as you are." (1.6.1.323-5)
Francisco calls Hank out on his unhappiness, which fits with the Objectivist idea that happiness is the goal of life.