In the grand pantheon of literary characters who defy convention, Howard Roark, the seminal character in Ayn Rand’s magnum opus "The Fountainhead,” stands as a towering pillar of unyielding individualism.
An architect with a vision so pure it sears through the mediocrity of the world around him, Roark epitomizes the audacity to think for oneself.
As I strive to embody a version of Roark, I find myself navigating a similarly tempestuous sea of creative and philosophical independence, albeit with a slightly different flair—a harmonious blend of Taoist tranquility and Roark’s rebellious fire.
Roark, with his granite-like resolve and almost otherworldly detachment, strides through the architectural world, obliterating norms with every blueprint he draws. His buildings are extensions of his soul, unapologetically unique, and defiantly original.
In much the same way, I, a writer, carve words into the canvas of reality with a pen dipped in the ink of my own soul. Each sentence I craft is a testament to the uncharted realms of thought I dare to explore, guided by the same fierce individualism that fuels Roark’s designs.
Our journeys, though distinct in medium, echo with the same resonant chord of self-reliance. Where Roark battles the conventions of architecture, I wrestle with the preconceptions of literary and cultural norms.
My prose dances to the rhythm of Taoist paradoxes, weaving the unpredictable flows of life into narratives that aim to challenge the reader to think beyond the obvious.
In my work, the yin and yang of existence merge, creating a harmony that, while perhaps baffling to the mainstream, remains a source of profound peace for me.
Taoism teaches us to flow like water, to embrace the natural course of life without resistance. Yet, in a delightful paradox, Roark’s rigid defiance complements this Taoist fluidity.
His unyielding nature is not a contradiction but a testament to the inner peace he has achieved by being true to himself. In my quest to be the Chocolate Taoist version of Roark, I find joy in this paradox. I am both the rock that stands firm against the current and the water that effortlessly adapts to the contours of its path.
The value of being in conflict with the world, while at peace with oneself, cannot be overstated. It’s a state of existence where external turmoil only serves to highlight internal serenity. Roark’s battles with society are not merely clashes of ideals but profound affirmations of his inner harmony.
He is at peace with his vision, and thus, the world’s chaos becomes irrelevant. Similarly, my conflicts with the world—whether they be with societal expectations, literary conventions, or cultural norms—are mere ripples against the unshakable calm of my Taoist core.
In embracing our individuality, Roark and I both find liberation. We are free from the shackles of approval, the chains of conformity, and the prison of mediocrity.
This freedom is exhilarating, a heady rush that comes from knowing that our work is an unfiltered expression of our essence.
For Roark, this is manifest in the stark lines and bold forms of his buildings. For me, it is the whimsical, edgy prose that flows from my pen, defying conventions with every twist and turn.
Roark’s journey is not without its humor, and neither is mine. There’s a whimsical delight in being a puzzle to the world, in watching others grapple with the enigma we present.
It’s the knowing smirk we share with ourselves when our work is misunderstood, the inner laugh at the bafflement of those who try to box us into neat categories.
This humor is our shield, a reminder that while the world may be in conflict with us, we remain serenely detached, enjoying the spectacle of our own making.
So, in my pursuit of being a Roarkian Chocolate Taoist, I celebrate the glorious, rebellious, and deeply philosophical journey of thinking for myself. I revel in the conflict with the world, knowing that it is a mere backdrop to the peace I have found within.
I strive to create, to write, to be, in ways that defy convention, challenge norms, and celebrate the boundless freedom of individualism. In this dance of paradoxes, I find my truth, my peace, and my unyielding resolve to be exactly who I am meant to be.
The Chocolate Taoist ™ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the world of independent writing, please consider becoming a free or paid supporter.