Fountainhead By Ayn Rand
As I finished reading Fountainhead for the fourth time, this book always surprises me with new philosophy and wisdom. This is one of the books, that gave me life strength and to live life on my own terms.
When I read this book in my high school, I was so blown by the protagonist, Howard Roark, and he some sort became my role model while growing up. He doesn’t see architecture as his work, it’s his own identity, extension of his personality its very intrinsic and primal. Strive to find such passion for something and do it with utmost sincerity.
Below are two of my favorite quotes from book.
“Do you mean to tell me that you’re thinking seriously of building that way, when and if you are an architect?”
“Yes.”
“My dear fellow, who will let you?”
“That’s not the point. The point is, who will stop me?”
“But you see,” said Roark quietly, “I have, let’s say, sixty years to live. Most of that time will be spent working. I’ve chosen the work I want to do. If I find no joy in it, then I’m only condemning myself to sixty years of torture. And I can find the joy only if I do my work in the best way possible to me. But the best is a matter of standards — and I set my own standards. I inherit nothing.
I stand at the end of no tradition. I may, perhaps, stand at the beginning of one.”
Fountainhead is about a battle between two extremists, living life two ways, one is living for himself and other is living for the world. A battle that is fought within us every day and that is most relevant in every phase, every society and every era.
Howard Roark, who only lives to do what he has a passion for, who does not and cannot think beyond it and that is the only way he can live. The irony is that the whole world is against him, but he can only think about his virtues in life and hence never reciprocates. His existence is as pure and as selfish it can be sometimes.
Peter Keating, who has no self, he lives for the mob. He owns his life to people. He lives on the opinion of other people and hence never really derives any satisfaction.
Other favorite quote from book-
“Peter — How do you always manage to decide?
Howard — How can you let others decide for you?”
Do read this book if you haven’t already. It’s so relevant in today’s time and I’m sure it will be in future as well.
Be Bold
Be Courageous
Be Your Best