The Fountainhead Quotes
The Meaning of The Fountainhead Through Quotes Literature is often a key factor in understanding the meanings of certain philosophies. If philosophy were not explained to great extent in certain works of literature, man would have no means of understanding the crucial, insightful messages behind philosophy. One such philosophy, objectivism, is represented exceptionally in Ayn Rand's novel, The Fountainhead. The compelling dialogue between the characters of the book allows one to uncover Ayn Rand's own feelings towards objectivism. The connotations and the implications of several of the quotes within The Fountainhead accurately depict the essence of objectivism, as a way to live one's life properly. They also encourage the opposition of convention
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Egotism is defined as an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Being independent or a conformist, characteristics very pertinent to this novel, every one is affected by his or her own ego. Toohey says, "If your first concern is for what you are or think or feel or haven't got-you're still a common egotist." To this Katie asks, "You mean I must want to be unhappy?" Toohey responds, "No. You must stop wanting anything." Toohey, though inherently evil, is a humanitarian; his life is focused on those of others and can only make himself feel better by abusing the lives of others. His comments show his belief that when people think first for themselves, they are an egotist. Toohey is bent on gaining power and destroying others. Toohey is worse than Keating in that Keating is satisfied with improving his standing in life and does not need to crush others in his path. A true independent person has no need of Toohey and will not listen to him; therefore, Howard is the target of much of Toohey's frustration and hate. For this Toohey spends much of the novel trying to ruin Roark's career. It is ironic then when Toohey advises his niece to not care for feelings or possessions because this advice leads someone to become somewhat of a Howard Roark and in turn follow the basis of
Egotism is defined as an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Being independent or a conformist, characteristics very pertinent to this novel, every one is affected by his or her own ego. Toohey says, "If your first concern is for what you are or think or feel or haven't got-you're still a common egotist." To this Katie asks, "You mean I must want to be unhappy?" Toohey responds, "No. You must stop wanting anything." Toohey, though inherently evil, is a humanitarian; his life is focused on those of others and can only make himself feel better by abusing the lives of others. His comments show his belief that when people think first for themselves, they are an egotist. Toohey is bent on gaining power and destroying others. Toohey is worse than Keating in that Keating is satisfied with improving his standing in life and does not need to crush others in his path. A true independent person has no need of Toohey and will not listen to him; therefore, Howard is the target of much of Toohey's frustration and hate. For this Toohey spends much of the novel trying to ruin Roark's career. It is ironic then when Toohey advises his niece to not care for feelings or possessions because this advice leads someone to become somewhat of a Howard Roark and in turn follow the basis of