I’m well aware that not everyone gets the way I do things. Some see me as rigid, out of touch, or simply too stubborn because I refuse to compromise on what truly matters to me. In a world where cutting corners is often the easy route, staying true to my standards naturally makes me stand out. I’d rather be seen as difficult for holding onto my beliefs than blend in by giving up on what I stand for.

Ayn Rand’s philosophy, particularly in The Fountainhead, resonates within me. Coming back to Madagascar for good, knowing full well the uncertainty that comes with working in a precarious environment, while still holding onto my Canadian training wasn’t an easy decision. Year afer year I came to the revelation that my return wasn’t about chasing opportunities; it was about building something real, something that aligns with my vision.

Every single day, I work to add value in what I do, finding the balance between frugality and sustainability without ever lowering my standards. As Rand puts it, “A building has integrity just like a man. And just as seldom.” For me, building with integrity means holding onto my principles, even when things get tough. That’s what keeps me moving forward, pushing through the challenges here in Madagascar, never letting go of the vision I believe in.

It took me 15 years to get through Atlas Shrugged, and here in 2024, its impact on me is stronger than ever. Facing my own professional and personal challenges, the depth of the book really hit home. It made me see just how much it reflects the choices I’ve made. The book reinforced my belief that no matter how long the road is or how much resistance I face, sticking to my values is the only way forward. Like the characters in the book, I’ve come to understand that compromising on core principles would mean losing a part of myself, and that’s not something I’m willing to sacrifice.

Dagny Taggart’s determination to push through despite the constant opposition? That’s me all the way. Her relentless pursuit of competence and excellence in a world that seems to reward mediocrity feels like my own reality. Those moments when I’ve had to cut ties with people who don’t align with my values? That’s Dagny’s resilience in action. I refuse to lower my standards just to fit in or make things easier.

John Galt’s refusal to let the world dictate his purpose and his decision to walk away rather than compromise resonates with me deeply. His journey is a lot like my own return to Madagascar—a path that might not make sense to everyone, but one that stays true to what I believe. And even if I decide to leave the country for good one day, that too will be a decision carefully thought through, not a compromise.

Even the architect Roark, Ayn Rand’s antihero in The Fountainhead, struggles to balance his personal life with his professional goals feels all too familiar. I’ve had to manage the expectations of people who don’t see things the way I do, while staying firm in what I know is right. Atlas Shrugged has shown me that staying true to your values is no easy feat. It takes patience, sacrifice (a lot), and sometimes standing alone (all the time). But the freedom to create and build on your own terms? That’s something I’ll never give up.

so yesterday I had ramanonaka for lunch…