Reading competition: Book 7
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
I really enjoyed this novel. I'm not entirely sure why. Really, I did not like any of the characters--no character is "good". I appreciate the reality of complex characters and all, but it was strange. Rand's writing was compelling, intelligent and flat-out good. I think that's the only way I enjoyed a book this long with characters I could not like.
As for Rand's ideas and morals that she was espousing through the metaphor of early 20th century New York architecture, I'm not sure I agree. It seems to me that what she believes is that a good and whole person will not compromise, will shut themselves off from the rest of the world socially and emotionally, will only live for themselves, even at the expense of others. "Second-handers" are those people who compromise, think of themselves from the perspective of the outside world, etc. and therefore not whole and good.
While I appreciate the idea that one should not give one's self up, that one should not compromise one's morals and principals, that one should have strength to stand up to those who fight against uniqueness; I do not agree with the concept that the only way to be strong and good and whole is to essentially shun the rest of the world.
I believe that a whole person is someone who knows what is within themselves, is okay with it but also acknowledges things that need to change or improve; a person who keeps to their own personal truth while not just living in the world but contributing to it. "No man is an island". Rand seems to believe that the only moral way to live is for each to remain an island, or alienate all those around you and create and island.
Plus, there is the fucked-up nature of her main character's sexual and emotional relationships. Ugh. The manipulation, the showing of love through causing pain, the deception...
Still, I recommend this book. Intelligence, a different view and account of the world, cause to evaluate one's thoughts and beliefs. It makes for a good reason to read it.
I really enjoyed this novel. I'm not entirely sure why. Really, I did not like any of the characters--no character is "good". I appreciate the reality of complex characters and all, but it was strange. Rand's writing was compelling, intelligent and flat-out good. I think that's the only way I enjoyed a book this long with characters I could not like.
As for Rand's ideas and morals that she was espousing through the metaphor of early 20th century New York architecture, I'm not sure I agree. It seems to me that what she believes is that a good and whole person will not compromise, will shut themselves off from the rest of the world socially and emotionally, will only live for themselves, even at the expense of others. "Second-handers" are those people who compromise, think of themselves from the perspective of the outside world, etc. and therefore not whole and good.
While I appreciate the idea that one should not give one's self up, that one should not compromise one's morals and principals, that one should have strength to stand up to those who fight against uniqueness; I do not agree with the concept that the only way to be strong and good and whole is to essentially shun the rest of the world.
I believe that a whole person is someone who knows what is within themselves, is okay with it but also acknowledges things that need to change or improve; a person who keeps to their own personal truth while not just living in the world but contributing to it. "No man is an island". Rand seems to believe that the only moral way to live is for each to remain an island, or alienate all those around you and create and island.
Plus, there is the fucked-up nature of her main character's sexual and emotional relationships. Ugh. The manipulation, the showing of love through causing pain, the deception...
Still, I recommend this book. Intelligence, a different view and account of the world, cause to evaluate one's thoughts and beliefs. It makes for a good reason to read it.