Andy Puzder: The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

Published in 1943, 'The Fountainhead' by Ayn Rand tells the story of Howard Roark, a young and innovative architect who refuses to compromise his artistic vision despite the opposition from society. The novel explores themes of individualism, egoism, and the conflict between those who think for themselves (the 'first-handers') and those who follow the opinions of others (the 'second-handers'). It also delves into the lives of other characters such as Dominique Francon, Peter Keating, Ellsworth Toohey, and Gail Wynand, each representing different aspects of Rand's philosophical ideas. The book is a defense of egoism and individualism, presenting a radical rethinking of basic moral concepts and challenging conventional notions of selfishness and altruism[2][3][5].

In this collection of essays, Ayn Rand challenges the conventional moral assumption that selflessness is virtuous and argues for a new concept of egoism based on rational self-interest. The book rejects the morality of sacrifice and altruism, instead advocating for an ethics of rational selfishness that prioritizes individual happiness and life. Rand and co-author Nathaniel Branden address various ethical issues, including the nature of government, individual rights, and the destructiveness of altruism. The essays emphasize the importance of moral principles based on reason and reality rather than divine revelation or social conventions.