Because Rearden initially regards the body as base or ignoble, he devalues all of its activities. He initially berates both Dagny and himself for their passionate lovemaking. He also says to her, in the context of discussing the unlimited potential of Rearden Metal, "We're a couple of blackguards, aren't we? We haven't any spiritual goals or qualities. All we're after is material things. That's all we care for." Early in the story, he isn't able to recognize the great virtue that his productivity or his relationship with Dagny represents.
Rearden's friendship with Francisco teaches him that material production is an intellectual process and a sublime virtue. His relationship with Dagny teaches him that sex involves the expression of an individual's deepest beliefs and values; he is attracted to her because she represents the same values of rationality and industrial productivity that he cherishes. Only when Rearden throws off the idea that the body and its concerns are low is he able to recognize his own superlative value.
