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Ben Archer

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  1. Hello. This will be my first post on this forum. I've come back to this site to read topics for several years, however. I recently reread the Fountainhead. One part that has always bothered me is when Roark, after viewing some of Peter's attempts at painting (the line of work Peter should have chosen) says, "It's too late, Peter." Peter followed his mother's advice to be an architect, instead of having the courage to do what he really wanted: paint. Some would call it luck that Roark was able to do the work he truly loved, but I think it should be considered courage. Had I discovered Ayn Rand's books before going to college in 2002 (I first read Atlas Shrugged in 2004), perhaps I would have had the courage to pursue what I truly love, which is playing piano. After reading Atlas Shrugged, I wanted to know everything about Ayn Rand. I bought all of her books, and many others about her (Peikoff, Brandon). It wasn't until 2006 that I first read the Fountainhead, however. When I read the aforementioned meeting between Roark and Keating, I couldn't help but wonder if there was some truth in Roark's words: "It's too late Peter." I originally went to college to study exercise science, because I had spent the year before working myself into top physical condition. I documented the entire process of what I did and ate, and used measurements. I figured I could work with others to achieve similar results. After doing some volunteer work at a Nova Care, working with guys on workman's comp, I realized I just enjoyed getting myself into shape—I wasn't interesting in working with people like that. Two close family deaths ended my college career in 2006. Since then I've been working with my dad on the family business. It's something I'm good at, but truly don't enjoy. I look forward to going home and working on my songs. I've recorded a few in private. I'm truly happiest when listening to and playing my songs. Just wondered if anyone else had similar thoughts when reading that passage, or reading what I've wrote about it? Thanks for your time.
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