Rating: 
Summary: An exalted view of man and his efficacy
Review: Ayn Rand wrote that "man is a being of self-made soul." (ATLAS SHRUGGED) This is true of each and every man; it is an inescapable fact. In this novel, Miss Rand shows that there are two basic alternatives in life, i.e, in choosing how to make one's soul: individualism or collectivism.Roark, the intransigent architect, is the concretization of individualism. Despite countless obstacles, temptations, and misfortunes, Roark never compromises his virtues. He is a man of principle in the strictest meaning of the word. He is an ideal man and a hero in a world devoid of both. Almost every other character, in varying degree, has embodied the soul of the collectivist, commonly referred to throughout the novel as the "parasite" and the "second-hander." This is done justifiably, and it is convincingly shown why. After the reader finishes this masterpiece, try Ayn Rand's ATLAS SHRUGGED.
Rating:
Summary: What is not to like?
Review: I always wonder at the anger that this book elicits from some critics, the hatred of and fear of the ideas Ayn Rand expresses. I wonder what, specifically, these readers find so offensive. The idea that individual thought and achievement must be respected? The idea that people are intelligent enough to run their own lives and do so best with the least interference from government or other "well-meaning" groups? That people have a just claim on the rewards of their own hard work? That people have the right to think and live for themselves, rather than according to the will of others? Are these ideas so frightening? Aren't they the very ideas upon which this wonderful experiement, The United States, was founded? Or perhaps what galls critics is Ayn Rand's observation that great advancements invariably begin with the vision of a determined individual, whereas mediocrity invariably seeks (and finds) the comfort of numbers, and then congratulates itself for having achieved "consensus." Critics seem particularly fond of explaining that they loved The Fountainhead at seventeen, but now from the advanced wisdom of their adult years, realize that Rand was all wrong, that "real life doesn't work that way." Perhaps Rand's idealism is, in fact, unsuited to the real world of grown up people. Or perhaps dismissing Rand's idealism is merely an attempt to dignify one's own compromises and capitulations. Either way, Ayn Rand and The Fountainhead deserve to be celebrated and admired for appealing to that part of ourselves that continues to believe in the possibilities of the unfettered mind, that part that is forever seventeen.
Rating: 
Summary: Things that make you say hmmmm ...
Review: A bit long, but a fulfilling read in the end. The Objectivism theory certainly has its good points, though taken to the extreme it would make the world populated by insensitive, uncaring bastards like Roark. There doesn't have to be an absolute choice, altuism or selfishness: you can practice both and still be true to your soul. But woe to those who become second-handers - they are the mesmerized zombies of society. There is not a likable character in this book, but it's still oddly compelling to read.
Rating:
Summary: Charity at it's Best
Review: I give this book five stars for many reasons. I developed deep respect for Howard Roark's profound intelligence and insights. Peter Keating keeps me on my toes throughout the book. I found myself leading a quest for his integrity. What I liked best about the book was the appreciation it gave me for the world concept of charity and gift giving. The world cannot afford for each individual to believe as Howard does. In the real world man requires more assistance from man than he acknowledges. Five stars for Ayn Rand's wisdom and insights. Perhaps the book is less about self and more about the importance of charity.
Rating:
Summary: Thought Provoking and Interesting Novel
Review: The Fountainhead is a book meant for the intellectual. Ayn Rand expresses her philosophy of Objectivism through Howard Roark marvelously. Even the most devout altruist may reconsider his beliefs after reading this novel. Egoism as the fountainhead of human existance is an idea that can not be challenged easily.
Rating:
Summary: Shocked
Review: The Fountianhead went against all human concepts of mercy, brotherhood, and what we all consider common decency. It attacked religion, democracy, and so many of the pillars of our modern society. It had no respect whatsoever for the common man. It glorified those who had complete diregard for the values, thoughts, and feelings of others, while villifying those who were dedicated to creating a Christian sense of brotherhood among men and working to build a kinder, more humble society. Numerous people, including politicians, clergymen, and humanitarians, have rightfully denounced The Fountainhead for its glorification of selfishness, and it's arrogant diregard for societal norms. Needless to say, I loved The Fountainhead. It's one of my favorite books of all time.
Rating:
Summary: For the record:
Review: Those puzzled, unimpressed, unmoved, undecided--reread. Those disinterested, unmotivated, lacking initiative, disheartened by the number of pages need to read. To experience, understand and internalize "The Fountainhead" is a must. Until then, one can never truly understand the nature of man, nor his fury.
Rating:
Summary: some questions
Review: I laughed, I cried, I contemplated, but most of all I wished that Ayan Rand were standing in my living room so that I could ask her some questions. First, If building on the discoveries and long held architectural (or philisophical) standards of thousands of previous geniuses is the greatest sacrilege and betrayal of one's own ability to create, then why are many of Frank Lloyd Wright's buildings prematurely decrepid and very high maintenence? Secondly, If somehow one were to reach the pinnacle of objectivist perfection, would all normal bodily functions like eating, and using the bathroom somehow become so unimportant that they would cease? Man cannot live on thought alone. The intensity of the book left no room for the characters to be identifiable. Howard Roark seemed to have been able to build buildings in his sleep! Also, I would ask Ms. Rand how a brutal and violent action like rape could innitiate a timeless, passionate, and fufilling love affair such as the one Howard and Dominique shared? (If someone would explain this to me I would be grateful.) It is because of these questions that i give the book 5 stars.
Rating:
Summary: A must for anyone who is interested in improving!
Review: I am sad to see some comments that this book is too long, and/or that the key points can be said more concisely. Often, good books require the reader to take the time to understand and absorb the meanings. The beauty of it is that you learn more as you mature in life. I have personally changed my views in reading the works of Ayn Rand over time. If human nature was easy to change, then books like "10 things to improve your self-esteem" need only be 10 lines long. But humans as humans tend to stay fixed within their comfort-zones, and believe me, there is so much more that you can get from reading this book!
Rating:
Summary: mail me and we will make an atlantis
Review: i mean i
| 
