The impact that literature can have on society remains surprising even today. Ayn Rand's novel The Fountainhead contains themes that resonated so significantly with readers that they sparked a political movement and contributed to the formation of the Libertarian Party. The Source of the Source, often called “a novel of ideas,” makes some illuminating statements about selfishness and altruism. The novel provides unique definitions of selfishness and altruism, supporting Rand's central theme of celebrating and encouraging individualism and free speech. Rand explains her beliefs regarding selfish and altruistic actions through each major character in the novel, exposing the nature of admirable characters versus malicious ones. Rand uses the often negative connotation associated with the word "selfish" and the positive perception of the word "altruistic" to her advantage, reversing the roles with respect to the theme of the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In The Fountainhead being selfish is the virtue, while being selfless is a flaw. Rand argues that you must identify as an individualist and not continue to live life depending on the judgments of others. An example of this is stated by the self-proclaimed selfish (and prideful) character Howard Roark in the following passage: “The thing that is destroying the world. The thing you were talking about. Real altruism." “The ideal they say doesn't exist?” “They are wrong. It exists, although not in the way they imagine. That's what I couldn't understand about people for a long time. They have no self. They live in others. They live second-hand. Look at Peter Keating” (Rand 633). Although selfishness continues to have a negative connotation, Rand suggests that selfishness is simply the act of putting one's own desires and opinions first, rather than seeking the approval or advice of others. The only way to maintain the pursuit of happiness and ultimately achieve your goals is to put yourself and your desires first. The theme of altruism is also an important component in understanding Rand's beliefs regarding selfishness. Rand believes that an altruistic person is a dissatisfied person with zero sense of self or identity. In the quote above, Rand even goes so far as to say that altruism is “the thing that destroys the world.” Altruism in “The Fountainhead” means the lack of self and identity, rather than an altruistic action (done for another) that commonly receives such great acclaim. Rand further goes on to state that although evil is typically linked to selfishness, the more accurate conclusion is that the “most despicable action” is due to lack of self. This notion is evident in the character of Ellsworth M. Toohey throughout the novel, but especially for being the "ultimate collector of souls". This idea is also evident through Peter Keating's mischievous rise to the top of the architectural industry and his mother's inevitable return home. Rand further praises selfishness when she introduces the idea that a person cannot be selfish (despite selfish actions) if they have no sense of self or individualism. Rand defines a selfish character as someone who acts solely out of his own personal desires, while an altruistic character acts only for the approval and admiration of others. Peter Keating represents this idea through his character development. Once a famous, successful and praised architect, Keating is left empty and almost lifeless at the end of the novel. Rand uses Keating's tale of rise and fall to expose that true success and happiness do not come from what people think, 1943.