Ayn Rand and Leonard (AFT) Peikoff - Fountainhead

The first of Rand's two 'master works,' The Fountainhead is undeniably an interesting piece of fiction. It is the story of one Howard Roark, a visionary architect and rugged individualist, and his encounters with "moochers, second handers, and thieves." Overall, this is a page turner, with an engrossing plot and strong ending.

From the beginning, Rand makes a point to show that it's Roark against the world. He gets expelled from college, unable to secure commissions, he is forced to work as a laborer in a quarry ... all this while Peter Keating, his less-talented but more prestigious classmate, soars to the top of the world of architecture.

Fear not, though! No matter how much Rand may want you to believe that Roark's return to glory is by his own hand, he IS helped along the way. An aging architect, playboy newspaper editor, romantic painter and a beautiful woman (!) all help him along the way.

Nonetheless, for every step Roark takes forward, the big, bad world is waiting to push him two back. The arch villian of this novel, Ellworth Toohey is a renowned reviewer of architecture who has no experience as an architect. He is the ultimate "moocher" : a man who controls many, earns much, and produces nothing. Toohey and his crew are painted as immoral, despicable, and unable to be redeemed. While it is true that you may have a hard time warming up to Rand's heroes, she has an uncanny ability to breed in the reader instant contempt for their enemies.

The novel's climax includes a court scene and a long monologue from Roark (somewhat of a staple in Randian fiction). The ending is both satisfying and conclusive, and although some head scratching events occur throughout The Fountainhead, Rand wraps things up nicely.

In any case, for a first time reader looking for a little excitement, a little suspense, and a lot of moralizing pop philosophy, this book is for you. I enjoyed it, I may even read it again someday, but it's very important to tell yourself "this is only a novel, this is only a novel." This is something many readers forget, which leads us to our next topic of discussion: Objectivism.

If you are not familiar with the philosophy that spawned from Rand's fiction (Objectivism), it should be stated that all of Rand's heroes (Roark included) live the Objectivist lifestyle. Objectivism is defined as "a rational philosophy for living on earth ? by means of which man can achieve the best within him." Doesn't sound too bad, eh? However, Rand's ideas are not new, she was NOT a true philosopher by any means. She eventually formed a cult-like following based on her egoist and absolutist philosophy. Sadly, many Objectivists cease thinking for themselves and take a "What would Ayn do?" stance, which is ironic, considering Rand's feelings regarding Christianity. While I agree with her pro-capitalism, pro-reason views, I feel it is very irresponsible to believe that one person has all the answers. All aspects of life are NOT black and white. Many people have become enamored with Rand's works (which she and her followers considered to be the most important written documents of all time) and ceased to use their own judgment and critical thinking skills. Don't let his happen to you! "This is only a novel, This is only a novel..."

Overall, the didactic nature of this work makes for some flat dialogue and generally stiff characterizations. Some of the flow of the novel is interrupted rather abruptly by Rand attempting to make philosophical points, and that, more than anything, is what inevitably keeps The Fountainhead (and Rand's other works of fiction) from ever being anything more than just slightly above average. Nonetheless, regardless of its ultimate contributions (or lack thereof) to fiction and philosophy, the nature of this work and its author make it a fascinating read. You'll consistently alternate between nodding and scratching your head, between agreement and outrage. In my book, any work that can illicit true emotional responses from the reader is worth a recommendation

My general warning when recommending Rand applies to The Fountainhead as well. Impressionable people (both young and old) have been sucked into the world of Objectivism through Rand's fiction - very much akin to L. Ron Hubbard's Dianetics creating Scientologists. Objectivism is a Swiss cheese philosophy at best, and a dangerous cult at worst. Read The Fountainhead for what it is - an interesting piece of fiction. Enjoy it, but I don't recommend The Fountainhead as a guide to life.