Like Lewis' other novels, Arrowsmith explores the tension between moral life and commerce, arguing for the virtue of individualism and suggesting that conforming to middle-class American ideals stifles the creative spirit.
‍
In many ways, Martin Arrowsmith is the antipode of Babbitt. While both characters are career-driven, Babbitt is externally motivated—driven to advance his rank and gain membership to Zenith's esteemed associations. In stark contrast, Arrowsmith has a resolute disdain for human institutions, for the publicity-seeking and money-grabbing aspects of commercial medicine. His motivation is to pursue truth, in what seems like lonely objectivity.
‍
As I read this, particularly the quote by Gottlieb ("very few people have the courage to be decently selfish—not answer letters—and demand the right to work"), I couldn't help but think of Ayn Rand's philosophy of objectivism. This led me to the interesting revelation that Rand revered Lewis, counting him as among one of her favorite authors.
Like Lewis' other novels, Arrowsmith explores the tension between moral life and commerce, arguing for the virtue of individualism and suggesting that conforming to middle-class American ideals stifles the creative spirit.
‍
In many ways, Martin Arrowsmith is the antipode of Babbitt. While both characters are career-driven, Babbitt is externally motivated—driven to advance his rank and gain membership to Zenith's esteemed associations. In stark contrast, Arrowsmith has a resolute disdain for human institutions, for the publicity-seeking and money-grabbing aspects of commercial medicine. His motivation is to pursue truth, in what seems like lonely objectivity.
‍
As I read this, particularly the quote by Gottlieb ("very few people have the courage to be decently selfish—not answer letters—and demand the right to work"), I couldn't help but think of Ayn Rand's philosophy of objectivism. This led me to the interesting revelation that Rand revered Lewis, counting him as among one of her favorite authors.
Like Lewis' other novels, Arrowsmith explores the tension between moral life and commerce, arguing for the virtue of individualism and suggesting that conforming to middle-class American ideals stifles the creative spirit.
‍
In many ways, Martin Arrowsmith is the antipode of Babbitt. While both characters are career-driven, Babbitt is externally motivated—driven to advance his rank and gain membership to Zenith's esteemed associations. In stark contrast, Arrowsmith has a resolute disdain for human institutions, for the publicity-seeking and money-grabbing aspects of commercial medicine. His motivation is to pursue truth, in what seems like lonely objectivity.
‍
As I read this, particularly the quote by Gottlieb ("very few people have the courage to be decently selfish—not answer letters—and demand the right to work"), I couldn't help but think of Ayn Rand's philosophy of objectivism. This led me to the interesting revelation that Rand revered Lewis, counting him as among one of her favorite authors.
Like Lewis' other novels, Arrowsmith explores the tension between moral life and commerce, arguing for the virtue of individualism and suggesting that conforming to middle-class American ideals stifles the creative spirit.
‍
In many ways, Martin Arrowsmith is the antipode of Babbitt. While both characters are career-driven, Babbitt is externally motivated—driven to advance his rank and gain membership to Zenith's esteemed associations. In stark contrast, Arrowsmith has a resolute disdain for human institutions, for the publicity-seeking and money-grabbing aspects of commercial medicine. His motivation is to pursue truth, in what seems like lonely objectivity.
‍
As I read this, particularly the quote by Gottlieb ("very few people have the courage to be decently selfish—not answer letters—and demand the right to work"), I couldn't help but think of Ayn Rand's philosophy of objectivism. This led me to the interesting revelation that Rand revered Lewis, counting him as among one of her favorite authors.
Like Lewis' other novels, Arrowsmith explores the tension between moral life and commerce, arguing for the virtue of individualism and suggesting that conforming to middle-class American ideals stifles the creative spirit.
‍
In many ways, Martin Arrowsmith is the antipode of Babbitt. While both characters are career-driven, Babbitt is externally motivated—driven to advance his rank and gain membership to Zenith's esteemed associations. In stark contrast, Arrowsmith has a resolute disdain for human institutions, for the publicity-seeking and money-grabbing aspects of commercial medicine. His motivation is to pursue truth, in what seems like lonely objectivity.
‍
As I read this, particularly the quote by Gottlieb ("very few people have the courage to be decently selfish—not answer letters—and demand the right to work"), I couldn't help but think of Ayn Rand's philosophy of objectivism. This led me to the interesting revelation that Rand revered Lewis, counting him as among one of her favorite authors.
