You Kant manipulate me!

So we all know that Ayn Rand's principle of Objectivism is basically just a different way of referring to Egoism--it's the promotion of rational self-interest. Egoism denounces the pursuit of the interests of others (altruism) to the exclusion of one's self and stands on the basic question of, "What's in it for me?" The argument behind this ethical principle contains three premises: 1. Everyone deserves happiness, 2. Each of us is uniquely positioned to know what will make us happy, 3. Altruism is not universalizable; therefore, one ought to pursue one's own interests exclusively.

In the novel The Fountainhead, the primary theme is the primacy of the individual. One must remain true to one's self, uphold individuality, and act independently from society. "Society has herd mentality and individuals must act selfishly in order to be free." Society is seen as that which goes against the moral good because it extinguishes individuality and talent. Ultimately, the novel comes down to the struggle for individuality, and if one does not uphold individuality and assert one's self, they are seen as weak.

Aspects of Rand's philosophy not only touch upon Egoism, but also can be traced back to philosophers such as Aristotle, Kant, and Nietzsche to name a few. The importance of reason is reflected in The Fountainhead, and is viewed as the virtue that, "...sets man free." This promotion of reason was a primary virtue held by Aristotle who believed in, "Reason, excellently applied." In Rand's novel reason and logic engages the mind and if dissected, relationships, buildings, personalities can be traced back to such values. Kant also upheld the conclusion that reason must be the foundation of morality. He believed sentiments and passions to be subjective and therefore subject to corruption. He was also against manipulations--that which encapsulates Ellsworth Toohey. Nietzsche is evidently present in The Fountainhead as Rand fiercely opposes herd mentality and promotes individuality. Nietzsche claimed there are two kinds of people, the slave and the superior person. Slave morality are those of patience, forgiveness, tolerance, charity, etc. The superior person or elitest individually defines his morality based on that which motivates him. However, unlike Rand, Nietzsche believes morality to be the function of emotion. Rand claims that emotion and sentiment, "Confuses the mind and compromises idividualism." Yet, the two philosophers basically promote the pursuit of individuality.

As for Ayn Rand being labeled a source of recent economic recession, one can easily create a proof concluding Rand's responsibility. However, one can equally create such a proof concluding her innocence. Executives of firms such as Goldman Sachs can be viewed more as Ellsworth Toohey figures rather than egoistic Howard Roark figures. True, such firms thrive on egoism and personal gain; however, methods of obtaining such gain relies on the manipulation of others, and the herd mentality of the masses. They fight for control over the weak and gain from the losses of their followers. Although they may try to promote the ideals of Rand, and claim to be upholding her philosophy, in actuality they are banking on the hopes of society remaining in their slave mentality.