Reason is the timely quintessence of logic. “Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand explores the advantages and disadvantages of using reason as a weapon of persuasion. The protagonist of the novel, Howard Roark, is the reason. It symbolizes, embodies and embodies living logic. By assuming individualism, he achieves complex thought processes, while simultaneously exploring the novel's theme: society's manipulation of individualism. As reason, Roark faces constant opposition: any semblance of his personhood is shunned, denied, and trampled upon solely out of the presumption of his potential threat. As for Roark's personal opinion, he lamented that: "...on [his] side [he] was[d] right...[he] knew, [it was] something nobody wanted[ ed.] have on his side…” (Rand 165). Recognizing that loss is imminent, Roark’s righteous ideals deny his failures. Furthermore, reason is a constant aspect of his continuation: without it he is incapable of existing. His role is a cosmic and undeniable force that, while constantly causing him to lose everything he desires, he masochistically venerates Roark's identity as reason is further cemented by his lack of it to Dominique Francon” (Rand 264). Roark's unnatural relationship with Dominique Francon conveys to the reader that this state of being. , this unreasonable existence, is for him a prosthetic state and therefore his true state is that of practicality. However, Roark's adherence to this lifestyle signifies another facet of his individualism: “…unfortunately in practical life one cannot always be so impeccable… middle of paper…bol of individualism. Since reason defines, it makes sense to define individuals, individually; as separate entities. Collectivism, on the other hand, undermines this principle. Ironically, this lack of reason is exactly what allows one to achieve political and social success using unbeatable irrationality. “Fountainhead” identifies that, despite walking the path of imminent defeat, individualism is the only noble pursuit to strive for, supported by the reasonable arguments provided by logic. Collectivism, in all its publicized glory, serves only to enslave man and force him into submission. Even those in power, particularly Toohey, fail to reap the benefits that collectivism is famous for offering, because they themselves are slaves to its all-consuming abyss. Works Cited Rand, Ayn. The Source. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, 1943. Print.