The impact that literature can have on society remains striking even to this day. Ayn Rand's novel The Fountainhead contains themes that resonated so much with readers that they sparked a political movement and helped form the Libertarian Party. The Fountainhead, often called a “novel of ideas,” makes some illuminating assertions about selfishness and altruism. The novel provides unique definitions of selfishness and altruism, supporting Rand's central theme of celebrating and encouraging individualism and freedom of expression. Rand explains her beliefs regarding selfish and selfless actions through each main character in the novel, exposing the nature of admirable versus malevolent characters. Rand uses the often negative connotation associated with the word "selfish" and the positive perception of the word "selfless" to his advantage by reversing the roles for the theme of the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay In The Fountainhead, being selfish is a virtue, while being selfless is a flaw. Rand argues that you should identify as an individualist and not continue to live based on the judgment of others. An example of this is given by the self-proclaimed selfish (and proud) character Howard Roark in the following passage: "The thing that destroys the world. The thing you were talking about. True altruism. “The ideal that people say doesn’t exist? “They are wrong. It exists, but not in the way they imagine. This is what I couldn't understand in people for a long time. They have no self. They live among others. They live second-hand. Look at Peter Keating” (Rand 633). Although being selfish continues to have a negative connotation, Rand suggests that selfishness is simply the act of prioritizing one's own desires and opinions, instead of seeking the approval or guidance of others. The only way to maintain the pursuit of happiness and ultimately achieve your goals is to prioritize yourself and your desires. The theme of altruism is also an important element in understanding Rand's beliefs regarding selfishness. Rand believes that an altruistic person is someone who is dissatisfied, without any sense of self or identity. In the quote above, Rand even goes so far as to say that altruism is “what destroys the world.” Altruism in "The Fountainhead" means lack of self and identity, rather than altruistic action (done for others) which usually receives such praise. Rand also goes on to state that although evil is usually linked to selfishness, the more accurate conclusion is that the "most despicable action" is due to lack of self. This notion is evident in Ellsworth's character Mr. Toohey throughout the novel, but especially for being the "ultimate collector of souls". This notion is also evident through Peter Keating's malevolent rise to the top of the architectural industry and his inevitable return to his mother's house. Rand further praises selfishness when she introduces the idea that a person cannot be selfish (despite their selfish actions) if they have no sense of self or individualism. Rand defines a selfish character as someone who acts only for their personal desires, while an altruistic character only acts for the approval and admiration of others. Peter Keating represents this idea through his character development. Once a famous, successful, and lauded architect, Keating finds himself at the end of the novel empty and almost lifeless. Rand uses the story of Keating's rise and fall to expose that the true, 1943.