The Fountainhead

What does it mean to be perfect? Does it mean that all you are flawless in every way? Maybe it is something that humans will never achieve, a dream that will never come true. What does perfection really mean?

Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead, written in 1943, is a 694 philosophical novel that deals with the greatness of man, as well as their weaknesses. Rand's creativity and in depth talk about life, man, and perfection lured me in. I was amazed at how Rand shows that one person could go through all this cruelty and suffering, yet they still come out without even a scratch. During the first two pages, Rand's writing gives so much imagery that you feel as if you are in the novel, feeling the nature, being relaxed, and maybe even feeling a slight feeling of what it's like to be perfect.

Starting out, a man named Howard Roark was being expelled for his ideals and beliefs about how architecture should be. He believes that each building should have its own ideals, integrity, and even a soul of its own. Throughout the novel, he goes through many obstacles that tries to prove his ideals wrong. It was just him against the world. Roark never seems worried though, and his beliefs stand firm. In the end, he stood on top of a building; it was only him, and the world.

If you ever read her other novels such as Atlas or maybe even Anthem, you would definitely want to read this. People interested in philosophy should also read the novel. Readers 15 and up will surely enjoy the book.

(written by Phi)