The Fountainhead has remained among classics of the 20th century. It written by Ayn Rand, an American woman of Russian descent. The book is written, based upon Rand’s objectivism ideas. For clarification purposes, objectivism is an extraordinary sort of philosophy, created by Rand herself. The main motif of the book is the struggle of a man versus society; a struggle against love and against society’s set standards. The book clearly shows the ways of (at least Ayn Rand-wise) what a true man must be; Rand also weeps on devastating consequences of the fact that the values of modern people are set not by themselves, but by society and only society.
Below are some memorable quotes that should refresh your memory of the book – or make you buy it, if you still haven’t.
“Why don’t you tell me what you think of me?”
“But I don’t think of you”
This is said when Howard Roark, the protagonist, replies Mr. Toohey’s question. The question, which crucially changes Roark’s thoughts on Toohey, has no effect on Roark whatsoever, but Toohey, as always, can only wonder about the ways of the young architect. These lines actually were said in real life before they were out on paper. Rand’s husband Frank had used the same reply in a similar situation.
“You’re casting pearls without getting even a pork chop in return”
This is what Dominique says to Howard Roark in the trial, in the second part of the book. This line was also inspired by Ayn Rand’s husband Frank, and probably offers us insight in their private life–the couple had a lot of ideological adversaries in the time when the book was written. Apparently Rand didn’t react to the sayings of her husband, and still wrote good books after that.
As the love story between the protagonist and Dominique unfolds, the last Fountainhead quote mysteriously appears on your screen, and reveals quite shocking details about their presumably violent love affair. Dominique says the following, right after she has stepped in Howard’s bedroom:
“I hate you Roark. I hate you for what you are, for wanting you, for having to want you. I’m going to fight you, and I’m going to destroy you.”
What is great about The Fountainhead aren’t just the witty lines that can be found from time to time. The book is timeless! The Fountainhead was in print for more than 25 years, and reissues of this ideological novel will surely come when it’s time. Books like these remind us of the true purpose of mankind and individuals in general – everyone has to give the world an unique present, the present of their creativity.
This last line isn’t really from the aforementioned book. But it’s definitely a good one from Ayn Rand. It clearly represents her views on life, as she was the only woman who wrote ‘books of ideas’ in the 20th century.
“Only man is an end in himself.”
