The Fountainhead and Life Satisfaction

The Fountainhead The Fountainhead and Life and Life SatisfactionSatisfaction

Key: AWL to Study, Low-frequency Vocabulary

What profession is represented above? Do you think that a profession can promote life satisfaction?

A Novel by Ayn RandA Novel by Ayn Rand• The Fountainhead

brought Rand’s philosophy to the world initially rejected by 12 publishing houses well-crafted work of fiction published in 1943 sold over six million copies internationally

What types of novels do you like to read? Explain.

Her Her BreakthroughBreakthrough Novel Novel • Rand weaves a tale of how personal integrity and a

passion for one’s work forms the basis of true life satisfaction.

Do you agree that a passion for your work promotes happiness? Why or why not?

Through a Cast of CharactersThrough a Cast of Characters• Rand contrasts two underlying philosophies: egoism and the individual

altruism and the collective

What do you think egoism and altruism mean?

The Novel’s MessageThe Novel’s Message• People find happiness if they abide by their egos.• The ego is the fountainhead ofevery human achievement.• Progress and prosperity facilitated by individuals with courage to uphold personal vision.

Do you agree that the ego is the source of every notable human achievement? Explain.

Egoists versus AltruistsEgoists versus Altruists• The egoist’s principal goal: self-serving, not altruistic

Only through self-serving motivation can people be of any real benefit.

Only by being true to yourself can you assist anyone else.

• The altruist serves the common good and renounces the ego. can only create pain because they don’t respect need for

productive achievement.

Are you an egoist or an altruist? Explain.

The The ProtagonistProtagonist• Howard Roark free-thinker with uncompromising ideals an egoist and individualist exists for himself and his own happiness work brings him meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.

Do you identify with Howard Roark? Explain.

The VillainThe Villain• Ellsworth Toohey stands in contrast to Roark a newspaper columnist who applauds mediocrity professes an altruistic doctrine Individuals live for others and subjugate their passions to serve

the greater good. really wants empty vessels he can manipulate and control

Have you ever met anyone like Ellsworth Toohey? Explain.

Collective OrganizationsCollective Organizations• Rand’s novel voices a strong message against

collective organizations based on serving the common good and sacrificing oneself to others.

What is your opinion on collective organizations?

About the AuthorAbout the Author• Rand was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1905.

experienced the Russian Revolution firsthand

• Rand wrote a new chapter in her life. migrated to New York became a popular and prolific writer publications sparked controversy and debate

• Like the characters in her novels, Rand lived the American dream.

What is the American dream? Explain how Rand lived the American dream.