Howard Roark: A Moral Ideal

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Society is easiest to comprehend as a giant machine; molding and replicating pieces so that they are easily replaceable and the machine never breaks down. However, Howard Roark is a new piece. A piece that refuses to mold and is, therefore, irreplaceable and incompatible with the larger scope of society. Although Howard Roark learns new things, new details about the complex machine that he benefits from, as the plot progresses, his convictions never change. His morals never change. He refuses to change. Howard Roark is the perfection of selfishness, a moral ideal that has been villainized by far too many, and serves as an example of how to achieve true happiness. A moral ideal by definition is a personal moral philosophy that considers certain …show more content…
However, Roark’s upbringing stuck the strongest cord with me. Despite family, religion, economic standing, or resources, Roark knew from a young age that he wanted to be an architect and committed to becoming one. He never doubted this choice. No matter what anyone else thought or did. Even if they told him it was “contrary to every principle we have tried to teach you, contrary to all established precedents and traditions” (Rand, 21). Roark knew being an architect made him happy and committed everything he did to achieving his own happiness. Roark’s purpose for every single action within the machine called society stems from his morals. He recognizes that virtue can only be achieved by committing to oneself, or in other words, selfishness. This is morally ideal because regardless of the machine’s wants, needs, or oppositions, Roark remains impervious. Whether his pieces, his achievements, are met with accolades or derision, he refuses to compromise or back down. He stands by his beliefs. Roark’s devotion and integrity to his own selfish ideals create his …show more content…
Which is why Roark’s selfishness is not a negative characteristic. Instead, it is a moral ideal that it should be emulated into humankind. In fact, it has been already. Throughout history, people with strong individuality have often met equally strong opposition, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, and even America’s founding fathers. Since society was incompatible with their moral ideals, they changed society rather than compromise their vision. Just as individual designers and engineers create machines, it is up to incorruptible individuals to shape and improve
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