He worked hard when he was in school, in the company in Wisconsin and even in the valley. His hard work earned him respect as he worked hard alongside others to earn his keep. He knew his worth and never doubted his abilities. He was at peace with himself and his emotions, he was neither vain nor arrogant (640), his self-esteem seemed limitless and justified. He was confident in his abilities and his happiness governed his morality and conduct. He never believed he had to be his brother's keeper; “. . . ever since I could remember, I felt like I was going to kill the man who pretended I existed for his need. . .” (680) Rather, he believed in the pursuit of his own happiness. Happiness represented his morality and, ultimately, everything he did was for his happiness. He expressed this unequivocally to his friend Francisco d'Anconia when he informed him of his decision to return to New York: "If I go back, it will not be for our work. It will be to win for myself the only thing I want in the world…” (732). Although he was a reasonable man, he was not immune to emotions: he passionately loved Dagny and he had deep respect for her friends: Francisco d'Anconia and Ragnar Danneskjöld. He revered his mentor, Hugh Akston, who was like a father to him. He never hid his love for Dagny nor his