Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand is one of the most insightful authors of the past century. Her writing is romantic, idealistic and grossly misunderstood. When people see her as someone who is only interested in money, they're ignoring huge parts of her novels. For example, Howard Roark was broke through half of The Fountainhead because he wouldn't take a job that didn't allow him artistic integrity. Meanwhile Peter Keating, who is not admirable, always did what led to the biggest monetary gain. In Atlas Shrugged, it's clear that she values all forms of work. James Taggart is highly looked down upon, but is the President of a company. This is because he doesn't do good work. A sewer worker who does a good job is much more valued by Rand.
The message of The Fountainhead is that an individual must find his or her own path. The character of Howard Roark exemplifies this individualism. Though following one’s own path is difficult and may even seem frightening, it is the most morally correct path and, ultimately, one should be more afraid of letting other people shape them. This is because if someone only does whatever people tell them they will be corrupted and suffer because of it.
The way Howard embodies the ideal of individualism causes many to fear him and many to admire him. Austen Heller wants to befriend Roark and says to him, “You know, there’s something that stumps me. You’re the coldest man I know. And I can’t understand why- know that you’re actually a fiend in your own quiet sort of way- why I always feel, when I see you, that you’re the most life-giving person I’ve ever met.” What makes Roark life-giving is the complete truth he represents. He doesn’t lie to fit in or get ahead. He does not create any constructions around himself like status, flattery or submission. Seeing a person completely true to himself, without these constructions, is shocking to people who are used to a pre-packaged world with photocopied people. Constructions are comforting. It is comforting to know someone has adjusted themselves to your needs and your world. This is why people are afraid of Roark, but for those who are unafraid of him, such as Heller and Mike, he is a life-giving vision of what the world could be if people would stop building facades.
Rand has an amazing ability to cut through culture and apathy and see the world as it really is. She shows both the extraordinary beauty and the horrifying emptiness. Some people find it scary what cultish devotion people have to Ayn Rand, but it's with good reason.