The Fountainhead

By: Ayn Rand

Type: Philosophical Novel

Setting: The United States of the early to mid 20th century

Description:

Howard Roark, a man of ideas and rebellion in the world of architecture, struggles through the years of his career, coming into contact with society’s critics, wanna-bes and financial overlords. Through his life he never compromises his ideals for that of the masses, despite peer pressure and financial disaster. 

Comments:

Howard Roark epitomizes Rand’s ideal man according to her philosophy of Objectivism. He strives to be the best man he can be, despite what others think or do to prevent him. He refuses to compromise his ideals in any way, even to foster a more cooperative setting. He believes that people can work together only if each is responsible for a specific part of the whole and if there is no overlap in the process. Ms. Rand’s ideas are clearly individual-based, and have been corrupted over the years to sound like nothing more than an eloquent defense of selfishness; in effect they are, but Rand uses the term differently than pop culture does. 

Recommendations:

Despite our country’s necessity to band together on such topics as the environment, health care and political involvement in foreign affairs, I believe The Fountainhead holds relevance because it promotes quality recognition. Yes, we need to cooperate and compromise to solve even some of the world’s problems, but wouldn’t it be nice if a few more people strove for quality in their work instead of just reaching for the brass ring?