When a Texas-based fitness store, which sells loads of high-priced garments for yoga decided to add the famous “Who is John Galt” slogan from “Atlas Shrugged” to its shopping bags, some yogis were incensed, claiming a conflict of values.

Dennis J. Wilson, founder of the offending Lululemon Athletica store, admits to being a fan of the keen-on-capitalism novel and prides himself on making higher caliber apparel – - the kind even Galt, who championed excellence and quality, would buy.

Seems to me that this should make yogis exceedingly happy.

 If they have a problem, why don’t they just practice naked yoga or go buy from someone who isn’t a fan of quality capitalism. Then, their threadbare, poor quality workout rags would unravel after a few months and they’d have to buy more and more cheap goods.

Can’t get much more Un-Galtian than that.

Let’s look at this conflict-of-principles argument, though.

Is this true? Would Galt, if not fictional of course, be the anti-thesis of a yogi?

According to Loyola Marymount University, one of the principles of yoga is liberty, which is also a principle highly valued by Galt, an entrepreneur who believes in the  independence and freedom  to create, sell, and market without interference from government entities.

Yogis are ethically against stealing. So is Galt.

Yogis don’t believe in violence. Neither does Galt – unless it’s necessary to protect self or business.

Yogis practice sexual restraint. Galt... heck, everyone knows all Ayn Rand characters love sex.

Rather than the physical, yogis are consumed primarily with the mental and spiritual aspects of life. (Galt would call this pretentious mysticism).

Well, it’s true. Galt is definitely on a collision course with yogis.

Yogis like transcending the ego, while Galt believes in embracing and strengthening the ego (as do I) – which is considered the core of the self and should not be immaturely dismissed as simple arrogance.  Without ego, no entrepreneur would be bold enough to translate unique concepts from their minds into concrete innovative products that you and I can buy.

So, I say Lululemon Athletica’s loyalties are in the right place. Keep Galt; ditch the yoga people.

Note: It seems that by protesting these yogis are asserting ego. Perhaps they should meditate on irony.

(Photo: front and back of the offending shopping bag. Credit: Houston Culture Map)