How important is "I" ?

Whoever has read or even heard of Ayn Rand's philosophy, which she called "Objectivism" must have definitely pondered over this question. How important is "I" ?

I have read "The Fountainhead" a couple of times. Honestly speaking, the book leaves you shattered. The end of the book left a feeling of exhilaration within me. It felt as if it was my own victory as opposed to Howard Roark's and Dominique's.
Howard Roark will remain to be a super-hero for me for the rest of my life. I am still attempting to finish "Atlas Shrugged" so cannot really talk about John Galt or Hank Rearden or Francisco D'Anconia.

All these men in Ayn Rand's books are super heroes. I sometimes wonder can a Howard Roark exist in the realistic world? He was a strong individual in the true sense of it .... he was an individual... he stood alone ... he was not living for somebody nor did he want anybody to live for him. That is what I feel is the main essence of Ayn Rand's philosophy - Man exists only for his own sake-neither sacrificing himself to others nor sacrificing others to himself. In Ayn Rand's own words: The pursuit of his own rational self-interest and of his own happiness is the highest moral purpose of his life.

Getting back to the title of the blog: How important is "I" ? Its too difficult to answer. How important is the acceptance of "oneself" in this world? Acceptance of anything you do in daily life... by peers, friends, family, loved ones. If it is important then "I" is fading away and being replaced by "we".
Howard Roark says "To say 'I love you' one must know first how to say the 'I.'"

There are many Ellsworth Tooheys and Peter Keatings in this world. But the "I" would neither hate them nor resent them. They would just not exist for the "I". "I" would be totally indifferent to them. This is a quote from the book for Roark "Were he to be told that this was the best or the ugliest house in the world, he would agree with either."

Well all said and thought... Kudos to Ayn Rand for believing in her philosophy and presenting us with great books and also definitely some food for thought.

P.S: "I am, and therefore I will think." - Atlas Shrugged.


-Moi