Essay about Objectivism in The Fountainhead - 938 Words

Objectivism in The Fountainheadnbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Philosophy demands literature that can abet the understanding of social views. Without reflective literature, man cannot begin to comprehend the essential messages behind philosophy. One such philosophy, objectivism, is represented exceptionally by the novel, The Fountainhead. Through the use of compelling dialogue, Ayn Rand reveals her own feelings towards objectivism, and her thoughts towards conformity and independence. The interpretations and the implications of several of the quotes within The Fountainhead accurately depict the essence of objectivism and encourages the opposition of conventional standards through the embodiment of the uncompromising innovator standing against the†¦show more content†¦Howard Roark, is a man who refuses to succumb to that greater entity and is able to think and judge for himself. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Egotism is defined as an exaggerated sense of self importance. Often times, independence and conformity play a very large part in egotism. Whether a man is a conformist or non- conformist, he is affected to some degree by his own egotism. Is ego, then, harmful or beneficial to our growth and self- actualization? Katie, a somewhat ineffectual minor character had a very revealing discussion with her uncle, Ellsworth Toohey, regarding her unhappiness. nbsp; Toohey: If your first concern is for what you are or think or feel or have or havent got---youre nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;still a common egotist. Katie: You mean, I must want to be unhappy? Toohey: No. You must stop wanting anything. nbsp; Ellsworth Toohey, the humanitarian, is stating that when a persons first thoughts are about themself, than they are an egotist. Yet, to some degree, isnt everyone an egotist? If man does not care about himself, his feelings, or his possessions, and has just given up on the world, than what is that man? He is most likely be a Howard Roark. So, whenShow MoreRelated Objectivism and The Fountainhead Essay2099 Words   |  9 PagesObjectivism and The Fountainhead  Ã‚      How should we live our lives? Do you live for others or for yourself? What do you deem to be the ideal: selflessness, or selfishness? Why? Ayn Rand’s novel The Fountainhead addresses these issues and her philosophy behind it called Objectivism. Her rebellious rhetoric is to convince us that the only true virtue is selfishness and that we should abide by its standards and live for ourselves. Ayn Rand was from the Soviet Union, and her background helpsRead MoreEssay on Objective Objectivism in The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand1463 Words   |  6 Pages Objectivism is defined as â€Å"an ethical theory that moral good is objectively (based on facts rather than feelings or opinions) real or that moral precepts are objectively valid.† (Webster). Demonstrated by Ayn Rand in the book, The Fountainhead, objectivism seems to most, to be morally wrong, and socially impractical, despite seeming to be a stress-free way of life. In The Fountainhead, Howard Roark does not see relationships as necessary, but as a means to an end. For America to be purely objectivistRead MoreAnalysis Of Ayn Rand s The Fountainhead 1490 Words   |  6 PagesBlake Stawar Ms. Haskins Honors American Literature 27 October 2017 Objectivism in The Fountainhead Not many authors create philosophies to include in their novels, but Ayn Rand did. 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AsRead MoreIndividualism and Collectivism in Fountainhead by Ayn Rand943 Words   |  4 PagesLois Cook is a writer of nonsense who exercises nonconformity and is under the control of Toohey. However, her pursuit of nonconformity, often thought to be the opposite of blind obedience, is merely a variation on the same theme. In Fountainhead, Ayn Rand explores the theme of individualism versus collectivism, not only in politics but in mans soul; the psychological motivations and the basic premises that produce the character of an individualist or a collectivist. 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An individualist to the core, Rand defines a man of greatness as one who is independent and uncompromising, one who derives his self-respect from his accomplishments and integrity rather than the approval of others. Rand defines a man of mediocrity, by contrast, as one who doesnt care about actually being competent and