Objectivism In The Fountainhead By Ayn Rand

Will Durant, an American writer, historian, and philosopher, once said, “Every science begins as philosophy and ends as art.” Ayn Rand uses science and reasoning as the basis for her own belief system that she created called Objectivism; she uses her philosophy to create works of literature such as Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead that have long stood the test of time. In The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand uses pivotal points throughout the novel to illustrate Objectivism. The first major theme in The Fountainhead is the importance of the individual. Rand uses an exchange between main character Howard Roark and main antagonist Ellsworth Toohey to typify this: “Mr. Roak, we’re alone here. Why don’t you tell me what you think of me? In any …show more content…
Rand believed that man is an end unto himself; this particular exchange in the novel is evidence of this core belief. Howard Roark, who is the chief representation of Objectivism in the novel, shows that he does not pointlessly bog himself and his mind down with petty judgements of people, instead choosing to focus on himself, what can make him happy, and what can help him move further in life. The antagonist, Toohey, also the representation of Collectivism, attempts to control the thoughts and beliefs of others; he attempts to distract others in order to gain power and control. Collectivism is the belief of prioritizing the group over the individual; in The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand conveyed her belief that Collectivism was not only inferior to Objectivism because of its lack of focus on individuals and their striving needs, wants, and desires, but it also could dangerously lead to mob rule as illustrated by the scenes when Toohey uses his power and the platform of Gail Wynand’s The Banner to sway the minds of the public for or against anything he chooses, The excerpt greatly shows Toohey’s desire to distract Howard from his work as a pioneering architect and lord it over Roark. Roark exemplifies the theme of individualism in his reply because his is an announcement that he will not allow himself to be controlled, he will not allow his mind to be swayed, he is an individual and has the opportunity to stand his ground for himself, outside of the oft-cloudy and murky waters of general thought. Roark shows, not just in this singular part, but throughout the novel, that individualism the greatest trait any person can possess. Individualism is the true means to an end; greatness can be achieved by all who are individuals and firm in themselves. Roark’s character is sympathetic, Rand wanted her audience to commiserate with the struggles