Selfishness is the pursuit and maintenance of all “the values required for human survival” (Rand 31). In The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand uses the terms “selfishness” and “egotism” in distinctively different ways than most people commonly use those words. By redefining these terms, Rand is able to separate and classify her characters and people in general society, into what she considers to be two groups: first handers and second handers. The leading example of this, Howard Roark, is a struggling architect, but also an unchangingly independent man, who showcases selfishness and egotism as truly virtuous attributes. Despite society’s defamation of selfishness and egotism, they both derive from a firm sense of self. When people possess a consistent sense of self, they are more likely to exhibit moral consistency. According to Rand, a man with integrity will triumph; a man who yields to society’s pressure to conform will never know satisfaction or authentic success for their own selves. Egotism and selfishness are
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He is able to completely live for himself. Roark fully believes in being an individual in its entire meaning. He sets his own standards, and does not let anything compromise him. Howard explains, “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” (Rand 13). Roark keeps himself singular. Roark believes in the sole purpose of individuality, "Every building is like a person. Single and unrepeatable" (Rand 230). He emphasizes the idea of being singular and being an individual, “To say "I love you" one must know first how to say the "I"” (Rand 388). Roark understands and values the idea of being able to prioritize oneself and not others because if not, one will not be able to deliver to others to the best of their
He is able to completely live for himself. Roark fully believes in being an individual in its entire meaning. He sets his own standards, and does not let anything compromise him. Howard explains, “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” (Rand 13). Roark keeps himself singular. Roark believes in the sole purpose of individuality, "Every building is like a person. Single and unrepeatable" (Rand 230). He emphasizes the idea of being singular and being an individual, “To say "I love you" one must know first how to say the "I"” (Rand 388). Roark understands and values the idea of being able to prioritize oneself and not others because if not, one will not be able to deliver to others to the best of their