Fountainhead help (band members here)

[ElephantTalk]

Hi friends from all the world. This is a question I would like to ask to the band about the meaning of the lyrics in "A Sceptic's Universe"; even so I would like the colaboration of all the users in this post, so if you think you have something to ask or answer: please, feel free to contribute .

Yesterday I was listening to the album for umpteenth time when I decided to translate the lyrics and trying to get the general concept of the disc I searched in Wikipedia and reported that "Fountainhead" lyrics were written and influenced by a homonym novel of Ayn Rand, founder of his own philosophical system called Objetivism. The last line in this song pray...

"Where's the I, Fountainhead of progress?"

...and this is a reference to Rand's statement that...

"Man's ego is the fountainhead of human progress"

I havent read that book but there is a interesting plot in Wikipedia that could help me to understand more:

The Fountainhead examines the life of an idealistic young architect, Howard Roark, who prefers to struggle in obscurity rather than compromise his artistic and personal vision by pandering to the prevailing taste in building design.

¿Could you tell more about what represent that concept in the song, the band and in your life? ¿Do you guys believe in objetivism? ¿If the answer is "yes", what do you think about colectivism? ¿Do you think that the ego is supreme, and individualism and selfishness are virtues to be treasured?

I hope your answers. Thanks very much from Spain, you rock

 

[Occam's Razor]

Get that interview I did with Lars for Lamentations of the Flame Princess to know more about that, haha...

 

[ElephantTalk]

Is there any way to get that interview?

 

[lars k norberg]

I'll respond to these questions when I get back from a much needed vacation, that is sometimes next week.

-L

 

[Tarkus]

I would theorise that as artists, they would subscribe to the individualistic side of objectivism, however from a political standpoint ie laisses fair capitalism, they would most likely accept the current collectivist system that is common in most Scandanavian countries.

Just my opinion of course.

Marc Hanson

 

[ElephantTalk]

I'll respond to these questions when I get back from a much needed vacation, that is sometimes next week.

-L

Ok Lars. Take your time

 

[Starman2112]

I have also been wondering about these lyrics.

I am an Objectivist as well.(If you have never read Atlas Shrugged, or the Fountainhead, read them. They are the two greatest works of all time.) I would assume that Asgeir is an Objectivist by some of the comments he has made-the lyrics of SA are hard to decipher probably because of the cultural and language barriers.

Tarkus I doubt SA is of the communistic mentality that presides in those Scandinavian countries. What evidences do you have to support that claim? How many people live in America that wish for a Socialistic society? The point is, just because you live somewhere does not mean you agree with the general principles accepted there.

Of course I do not know the band's beliefs about life and await Lars' answer but if you take a look at the music it also points towards a very individualistic and egotistical (in a postive sense) style. Each member CLEARLY stands out and is a god at his instrument. Obviously, the members of SA do not try to make corporate music or music they think people will like. The music is probably reflective of the members themselves... Highly organized, diverse, technical, and possibly crazy .

Either way, I anxiously await the new album regardless of the philosophical beliefs of the band members themselves. Rock on SA.

PS - I do know Asgeir is an atheist. (pretty sure...)

 

[Tarkus]

Tarkus I doubt SA is of the communistic mentality that presides in those Scandinavian countries. What evidences do you have to support that claim? How many people live in America that wish for a Socialistic society? The point is, just because you live somewhere does not mean you agree with the general principles accepted there.

Like I said, I was just hypothesizing. Sorry if it came across as speaking for them. At the same time, most of the Scandanavians that I have met are generally satisified with the quasi socialist system that is in place.

Anyways, being a fan of Rand myself (and a capitalist to boot!), it's always nice to see her ideas present in two of my favorite bands, the other being Rush, of course!

Great topic. I also can't wait for the new SA.

 

[Starman2112]

Ah yes I see. Rush is my favorite band. The new album cover art looks like shit though. The single is not bad-and the lyrics look excellent.

I am anxious to see Lars response.

(rare to find other Rand fans out there.)

 

[JColtrane]

Hi friends from all the world. This is a question I would like to ask to the band about the meaning of the lyrics in "A Sceptic's Universe"; even so I would like the colaboration of all the users in this post, so if you think you have something to ask or answer: please, feel free to contribute .

Yesterday I was listening to the album for umpteenth time when I decided to translate the lyrics and trying to get the general concept of the disc I searched in Wikipedia and reported that "Fountainhead" lyrics were written and influenced by a homonym novel of Ayn Rand, founder of his own philosophical system called Objetivism. The last line in this song pray...

"Where's the I, Fountainhead of progress?"

...and this is a reference to Rand's statement that...

"Man's ego is the fountainhead of human progress"

I havent read that book but there is a interesting plot in Wikipedia that could help me to understand more:



¿Could you tell more about what represent that concept in the song, the band and in your life? ¿Do you guys believe in objetivism? ¿If the answer is "yes", what do you think about colectivism? ¿Do you think that the ego is supreme, and individualism and selfishness are virtues to be treasured?

I hope your answers. Thanks very much from Spain, you rock

Wow, you have better grammar than me and English is my native language

Rand was a woman by the way

 

[ElephantTalk]

Wow, you have better grammar than me and English is my native language

Rand was a woman by the way

Jejeje

Hell thanks! I wish it wasn't ironical cause I usually spent the most time speaking my native "castellano" (spanish), so It's practically difficult to keep my English grammar on.

And yes, I know Rand was a woman. Why? She reminds me to Victoria Page's fictional character in the Metropolis Part 2 live DVD.

 

[ElephantTalk]

Of course I do not know the band's beliefs about life and await Lars' answer but if you take a look at the music it also points towards a very individualistic and egotistical (in a postive sense) style. Each member CLEARLY stands out and is a god at his instrument. Obviously, the members of SA do not try to make corporate music or music they think people will like. The music is probably reflective of the members themselves... Highly organized, diverse, technical, and possibly crazy .

Very precise comentary. This is what I thought when I heard "AS'sU" for the first time and this is what they call "Controlled Anarchy" in their Manifesto.

PD: I got "AS'sU" from eBay this morning with Cynic "Focus"!

 

[JColtrane]

Ayn Rand, founder of his own philosophical system called Objetivism.

That's why

 

[ElephantTalk]

That's why

Whoops! I'll never stop to make the same mistake...

 

[noble savage]

Ah yes I see. Rush is my favorite band. The new album cover art looks like shit though. The single is not bad-and the lyrics look excellent.

I am anxious to see Lars response.

(rare to find other Rand fans out there.)

Neal Pearte is an athiest also. In the liner notes of Rushs new album he cites Richard Dawkins as a big influence. If you don't know who Dawkins is, he an athiest who wrote the god delusion, one of my favorite books I might add!

 

[Starman2112]

Actually Noble Savage, that is false. Neil PEART (watch the "e" on the end) WAS an atheist. He has since changed his mind. He now is a "agnostic." Peart classifies himself in numerous interviews since the 80's as a "linear thinking agnostic." He also considers himself an Objectivist, but "no one's disciple." (rand had a tendency to value some of her SUBJECTIVE opinions as OBJECTIVE fact.) <-Goes against the very core of her own philosophy. However, one must look past the humanistic element of the "role model" and just look at the philosophy itself.

Yes I am aware of the influence of Dawkins on Peart, as well as Nietchze and many other atheists, but as Peart implies in "I Believe" on T4E, he believes in what he sees and hears and is influenced by MANY things.

The new album is somewhat of a stab at the dogmatic Christians of America-but more of a commentary and observation from what I understood about the album. I have it on pre-order. Peart just doesn't seem to comprehend how they can believe the religion so blindly and not only that but convince others to devote their life to serving an imaginary entity. Growing up in a dogmatic Christian home, I can say it really can be disturbing.

Some people NEED that extra PURPOSE in their life to give them meaning. Without it they have no standard to hold to no values to treasure so their world would fall apart and they would FEEL that it is permissable to murder, rape, steal and the like.

Either way, I am lookinbg forward to the new album AND hpefully LArs' response to the original question.

 

[noble savage]

Actually Noble Savage, that is false. Neil PEART (watch the "e" on the end) WAS an atheist. He has since changed his mind. He now is a "agnostic." Peart classifies himself in numerous interviews since the 80's as a "linear thinking agnostic." He also considers himself an Objectivist, but "no one's disciple." (rand had a tendency to value some of her SUBJECTIVE opinions as OBJECTIVE fact.) <-Goes against the very core of her own philosophy. However, one must look past the humanistic element of the "role model" and just look at the philosophy itself.

Yes I am aware of the influence of Dawkins on Peart, as well as Nietchze and many other atheists, but as Peart implies in "I Believe" on T4E, he believes in what he sees and hears and is influenced by MANY things.

The new album is somewhat of a stab at the dogmatic Christians of America-but more of a commentary and observation from what I understood about the album. I have it on pre-order. Peart just doesn't seem to comprehend how they can believe the religion so blindly and not only that but convince others to devote their life to serving an imaginary entity. Growing up in a dogmatic Christian home, I can say it really can be disturbing.

Some people NEED that extra PURPOSE in their life to give them meaning. Without it they have no standard to hold to no values to treasure so their world would fall apart and they would FEEL that it is permissable to murder, rape, steal and the like.

Either way, I am lookinbg forward to the new album AND hpefully LArs' response to the original question.

Huh, I thought he was always an atheist but thanks for the clarification. I am going to get the new rush also. I am not a big fan but this seems like it will be something I am interested in.

 

[ElephantTalk]

Is Lars alive?

 

[progmetaldan]

I'm sure he's just overrun with writing and recording bass lines for the new SA album... (we can hope...)

 

[lars k norberg]

You&#8217;re closer to the truth than you may suspect&#8230;