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?
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.
Her Breakthrough 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 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 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.
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.
The Protagonist
• 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 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 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 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.