The Philosophy of Ayn Rand

In AP English, our class has just finished reading The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. Ayn Rand developed a philosophy called objectivism. While I could describe the philosophy for you, Howard Roark, the main character, actually explains the theory quite well in a courtroom speech. In the speech he explains why he dynamited Cordtland homes, a series of homes that he himself designed. When another character, Ellsworth Toohey makes adjustments to the building, Roark objects and takes action, breaking the law in the process. Here is a link to that speech, where Roark gives moral and philosophical justifications for his actions.