Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead

-Devanshi- thumbnail
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Posted: 12 years ago
#1
Hey there!

So, I was introduced to The Fountainhead recently by a friend and currently I am halfway through the book (the part where Roark gets the big temple deal). Now, I don't know if this makes me a bad reader but I seriously cannot understand the concept of 'Objectivism'. I tried googl-ing it and read stuff on Wikipedia but I cannot understand it at all!😕

I really love the book and the characters(especially Toohey--- he is just brilliant in a shrewd way but he is just brilliant.). I also know I should have made this post AFTER finishing the book but I just couldn't wait😆.
So please, anyone who has the time and patience, please explain Objectivism to me😃

And people who have not read it or are going to read it, I am sorry if this spoils your experience. But go ahead, it is an amazing book and will surprise you...everytime.

Thanks in advance for the help😃

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-Devanshi- thumbnail
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Posted: 12 years ago
#2
Okay, so do I sound like a blonde or a dunce?
Because I am pretty sure my question is not that BAD. It is stupid yes, but it is a genuine question! 😕 🤓
Edited by -Devanshi- - 12 years ago
zephyr29 thumbnail
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Posted: 12 years ago
#3
Wish I could help with a detailed explanation but The Fountainhead has been on my To-Be-Read list for ages now which I never got around to doing 😆.
What I understood (from Wiki) is that its a philosophy based on realism and reason. The individual is what matters and he must work only for his self-interest and his thoughts and decisions are entirely based on logic. There is no room for imagination, faith, beliefs, likes or dislikes, or even what general population thinks. Its about making objective decisions based on fact or proof and not be influenced by feelings or emotions.
That's the way I see this concept. I maybe making a complete ass of myself and be completely off the mark so might as well get a second opinion 🤓.
Don't worry, if its of any comfort to you, there are many (even some famous authors) who love the book but claim to missing the whole point of it 😆.
-Devanshi- thumbnail
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Posted: 12 years ago
#4
Firstly, THANK YOU SO MUCH for your reply!! (The caps were essential to emphasize how thankful I am)

What you are saying actually makes sense! Because that is exactly how the protagonist makes all his decisions. He doesn't give a rat's ass to what anyone thinks. He has this whole different perspective about architecture and he even explains it by comparing it to the human body. Before I read the book, I didn't know a thing about archictecture. But after reading the book, I understand what its about. Ayn Rand goes to the root of every character and explains why that character behaves like that. It is just amazing and there are these philosophies that she will insert in as a character's dialogues and you'll have to read it just twice or thrice(at least I had to) just to understand what is being said. And then there are these one or two characters whose words and actions are so contradicting till they reveal it amd it will leave you just... Stumped

Oh God. I just went on and on about it!! I am sorry. I think I have put in way too many spoilers but if its beenon your TBR list, I think its time you read it!

Once again, thank you so much for helping me out!

Love,

Devanshi
zephyr29 thumbnail
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Posted: 12 years ago
#5

Glad I could be of help without even reading it 😆

As for spoilers, even though I don't know the beginning, middle or end I have a vague idea about the story overall so no worries 😊

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