The Fountainhead and Life Satisfaction

1. The Fountainhead and Life Satisfaction Key: AWL to Study, Low-frequency Vocabulary What profession is represented above? Do you think that a profession can promote life satisfaction?

2. A 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.

3. Her Breakthrough Novel • Rand weaves a tale of how personal integrityand 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?

4. Through 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?

5. The Novel’s Message • People find happiness if they abide by their egos. • The ego is the fountainhead of every 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.

6. Egoists 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.

7. The Protagonist • Howard Roark • free-thinker with uncompromisingideals • 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.

8. The 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.

9. Collective 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?

10. About 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.