Note: Galt is speaking to the plunderers, not the producers; to the irrational, not the rational. He is chastizing those who value illusions, and appealing to others who use reason.
Note: Rand is less than comprehensively accurate in her description, as she succumbs to the fallacy of authority; which is indeed, a slippery slope. That being read, there is a great deal of useful information to be comprehended, removing contradictions as they are encountered; through which we are all empowered.