caconti's Full Review: Ayn Rand and Leonard (AFT) Peikoff - The Fountainh...
"Fountainhead" in one of the most successful integrations of fiction and philosophy in literature. It is a literary manifestation of Rand's concept of Objectivism, and it's purpose is to tie this philosophy to a concrete example and champion, Howard Roark. This Objectivist school of thought is about individualism and integrity. By individualism Ayn meant "A Primary orientation to reality", and by integrity Ayn meant "Loyalty to Rational Principles" It a brutally honest commentary on how man has squandered his potential for self-realization in hopes of furthering society, when in fact neither party benefits from the destruction of the individual.
The foundation of the book's success lies in the quality of it's protagonist, Howard Roark. He is an incredibly human character, For that reason, I personally found the book a more compelling advocate of Objectivism than even "Atlas Shrugged". A victim of both self-loathing and a manipulative society, he struggles courageously to stay loyal to his own principles. He is an everyman, fighting against the stream of popular belief and attempting to do what he knows is right. He sees the ugly architecture and even uglier people around him, and realizes that dependence on himself is his only means to satisfaction and escape from the endless swamp of mediocrity that threatens to engulf him. This universality of despair, of frustration with society, leaves the reader will little choice but to be sympathetic and supportive of Roark. He faces our challenges and rises above them, creating splendour and inspiring others to greatness.
When I was in high school "Fountainhead" was incredibly influential book in my life. It is a celebration of the individual, a call to action for all independent thinkers who find themselves out of place in contemporary society. In the end, this is the timelessness of the novel. As long as there are nonconformists who refuse to bow to conventional wisdom, Ayn Rand's books will exist as an inspiration for them. Whether you finish the novel an Objectivist or not, your perception of yourself and society will be inextricably altered.
Ayn Rand, Leonard Peikoff (Photographer),Paperback - Reprint, English-language edition,Pages:736,Pub by Penguin Group (USA) IncorporatedMore at Barnes & Noble.com
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