The average man is a conformist, accepting miseries and disasters with the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain, were all written by an amazing author who is commonly known for her radical philosophy and conceptions. This well-known author is Ayn Rand, an objectivist, or one who believes in concepts such as self-reliance or importance of the individual before the group. Rand essentially founded the objectivist movement by portraying characters within her fictional work in such a way that her philosophy is upheld and revealed through their actions. This is very common among her books as she generally writes with the intent of a veay simple plotline and characters to not overshadow her philosophy. There have been many critics of Ayn Rand’s
…show more content…
Non-conformism is major aspect of the theme of objectivism and is often shown in many different areas of the novel. For example, when examining page 26, one would notice how Roark often displays his attitude towards others especially the dean of his previous school, “‘I don’t care whether you agree with me or not.’ He said it so simply that it did not sound offensive, it sounded like the statement of a fact which he noticed, puzzled, for the first time,” (Pg. 26). Through this example, it becomes clear that even Roark doesn’t realize until this point about how little he cares for others and how true this statement was. This statement also applied to Wilson, a man who has never done right by Roark. By Roark answering so simply to Wilson’s question in a way that was not pleasant for Wilson to hear is a direct example of non-conformism. In most cases of today’s society one will always answer a peer with an answer they assume their peer would like to hear, regardless of how truthful the statement is. Roark does not do what the norm is in society, and this places him completely outside of the group. Not only does he not answer Wilson in a pleasant way, as it is generally the norm, but he doesn’t even give Wilson an answer, something essentially unheard of in today’s …show more content…
This is also relating to the idea of objectivism as it relates once again to the individual. However, it more clearly in this context relates in the idea of a man who has retained their sense of self versus the man who has completely destroyed their ego. By Roark actually stating what he has truly thinks to Wilson he is not actually losing his sense of self but in fact strengthening it. This actually shows how Roark holds himself up as the most important, a clear issue and theme of the novel. He also does not break down his ego because he does not lie to himself or anybody else about his feelings. In this case, he tells Wilson exactly how he feels about him and the way in which their relationship stands. Roark also displays this on page 681, “Independence is the only gauge of human virtue and value. What a man is and makes of himself; not what he has or hasn't done for others. There is no substitute for personal dignity,” (Pg. 681). This book time and time again explains how there much be independence and self-respect in everything one does, something that Howard stands for. Essentially, this is why the exchange between Wilson and Roark is so important to the themes of The average
Non-conformism is major aspect of the theme of objectivism and is often shown in many different areas of the novel. For example, when examining page 26, one would notice how Roark often displays his attitude towards others especially the dean of his previous school, “‘I don’t care whether you agree with me or not.’ He said it so simply that it did not sound offensive, it sounded like the statement of a fact which he noticed, puzzled, for the first time,” (Pg. 26). Through this example, it becomes clear that even Roark doesn’t realize until this point about how little he cares for others and how true this statement was. This statement also applied to Wilson, a man who has never done right by Roark. By Roark answering so simply to Wilson’s question in a way that was not pleasant for Wilson to hear is a direct example of non-conformism. In most cases of today’s society one will always answer a peer with an answer they assume their peer would like to hear, regardless of how truthful the statement is. Roark does not do what the norm is in society, and this places him completely outside of the group. Not only does he not answer Wilson in a pleasant way, as it is generally the norm, but he doesn’t even give Wilson an answer, something essentially unheard of in today’s …show more content…
This is also relating to the idea of objectivism as it relates once again to the individual. However, it more clearly in this context relates in the idea of a man who has retained their sense of self versus the man who has completely destroyed their ego. By Roark actually stating what he has truly thinks to Wilson he is not actually losing his sense of self but in fact strengthening it. This actually shows how Roark holds himself up as the most important, a clear issue and theme of the novel. He also does not break down his ego because he does not lie to himself or anybody else about his feelings. In this case, he tells Wilson exactly how he feels about him and the way in which their relationship stands. Roark also displays this on page 681, “Independence is the only gauge of human virtue and value. What a man is and makes of himself; not what he has or hasn't done for others. There is no substitute for personal dignity,” (Pg. 681). This book time and time again explains how there much be independence and self-respect in everything one does, something that Howard stands for. Essentially, this is why the exchange between Wilson and Roark is so important to the themes of The average