1.39k reviews for:

The Fountainhead

Ayn Rand

3.47 AVERAGE


This book was more than enough to convince me that neither Ayn Rand nor her philosophy is my cup of tea.

I didn't understand this book. It was terrible, and didn't make a lot of sense. Seemed like someone was rambling to you in your ears, and you are continually questioning why you continue to read this book.

the 5 stars is NOT for the political outlook, sorry Paul Ryan.

Notes:
Roark: Individualism
Keating: Sacrificing artistic integrity for prestige and success (image). Ends as a broken man, realizing that he has never truly lived for himself. Slave to image
Wynand: Compromises his ideas by pandering to the masses to maintain his power. Built his success on the approval of others rather than personal conviction.
Toohey: Against individual talent, believes in breaking these people to control public opinion. Ends up irrelevant. The non-compromising individual seeks no validation from him
challenging informative reflective medium-paced

rip Ayn Rand, you would have loved the “soyjack versus chad” memes
emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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inspiring slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

There's something about this book that always draws me back. It is a very flawed book, is clearly shoving ideology constantly in your face, has lots of monologues, and is a pretty slowly paced a book. And yet, the way Roark goes up against the world with only his skill and his beliefs is always enjoyable. The way each section of the book is set up with a different foil to him and also to each other is also really interesting. The relationship with Dominique is pretty cringy, probably the worse part of the book. As someone who doesn't really believe in Randian philosophy, I still find the uncompromising approach of Roark to be highly enjoyable to read, and always enjoy seeing competence triumph. When I think about this book I dont' think it's perfect, but I still love it.

literally what the fuck
adventurous challenging emotional reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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