The Theory of Objectivism 101
Ayn Rand’s theory of objectivism developed from her childhood and teenage experiences in Soviet Russia. Rand, who experienced firsthand the detrimental effects of communism, felt that the emphasis of the collective over the individual was detrimental to a society and a culture. Later, when she began her writing career in America, she developed her own theory to reflect her personal ideals on the world, its structure, and its inter-workings.
In all of her works, Rand upholds the pillars of objectivism for her readers to examine. The Fountainhead is a reflection of such ideals, emphasizing the significance of man’s ego and individuality. Rand defines ego not as the colloquial definition, but man’s ability to reason and make choices. The ‘ego’ is synonymous with ‘I,’ it is the sole factor in one’s identity. Howard Roark embodies all that Rand intended in her perfect man, symbolic of a strong ego and disregard for the collective. Her heroes are always those who possess the ability to reason independently, live by their own values, practice volition, and stand as individual amongst the masses.
Rand’s villains, however, do not think or act for themselves. They are what she commonly refers to as the second handers; they allow themselves to be controlled by others instead of dictating their own way in life. Toohey’s victims are all second handers, as he explains to Keating on the floor of Keating’s bedroom, and he is the mastermind in controlling all of these ego-less people. The ego, as Rand has already established by this point of the novel, is the central part of man; if he is ego-less, than he is not a man--he has become the selfless.
Rand’s theory of objectivism leaves no room for the ideas of mysticism, the supernatural, fate, skepticism, or collectivism. The supernatural is irrational and illogical, with muses and such being credited for man’s work. Mysticism, or faith in a higher being, monopolizes worship and reverence for something other than man, a something that cannot be touched by man. This higher power, in Rand’s opinion, devalues the accomplishments of the egotist, therefor diminishing his identity. Skepticism, too, works to invalidate the egotist, for he only functions and creates for himself, and not the approval and benefits of others. Roark is a prime example, with an inability to even consider the opinion of the masses. He exists only for his work and what he creates, not desiring or contemplating the collective opinion of the value of his work.
In all of her works, Rand upholds the pillars of objectivism for her readers to examine. The Fountainhead is a reflection of such ideals, emphasizing the significance of man’s ego and individuality. Rand defines ego not as the colloquial definition, but man’s ability to reason and make choices. The ‘ego’ is synonymous with ‘I,’ it is the sole factor in one’s identity. Howard Roark embodies all that Rand intended in her perfect man, symbolic of a strong ego and disregard for the collective. Her heroes are always those who possess the ability to reason independently, live by their own values, practice volition, and stand as individual amongst the masses.
Rand’s villains, however, do not think or act for themselves. They are what she commonly refers to as the second handers; they allow themselves to be controlled by others instead of dictating their own way in life. Toohey’s victims are all second handers, as he explains to Keating on the floor of Keating’s bedroom, and he is the mastermind in controlling all of these ego-less people. The ego, as Rand has already established by this point of the novel, is the central part of man; if he is ego-less, than he is not a man--he has become the selfless.
Rand’s theory of objectivism leaves no room for the ideas of mysticism, the supernatural, fate, skepticism, or collectivism. The supernatural is irrational and illogical, with muses and such being credited for man’s work. Mysticism, or faith in a higher being, monopolizes worship and reverence for something other than man, a something that cannot be touched by man. This higher power, in Rand’s opinion, devalues the accomplishments of the egotist, therefor diminishing his identity. Skepticism, too, works to invalidate the egotist, for he only functions and creates for himself, and not the approval and benefits of others. Roark is a prime example, with an inability to even consider the opinion of the masses. He exists only for his work and what he creates, not desiring or contemplating the collective opinion of the value of his work.