What is egoism? Something that Prometheus seems so interested in. Egoism is a doctrine that individual self worth is the motive behind all conscious action. In this day in age being an egoist is wrong, but in Prometheus society being an egoist wasn’t even heard of. Why is it that Prometheus writes down “ego” at the very end of the book on page 105 of Anthem.…
Ayn Rand perfectly captured the idea of a collectivist society in her book, Anthem, by creating a vivid image of the dangers of losing one’s sense of self. This concept can be applied to modern times, much like Equality does when proclaiming his anthem: “I understood that centuries of chains and lashes will not kill the spirit of man nor the sense of truth within him” (98). His statement personifies a man’s spirit,the perseverance of man, and implies that there are no restraints strong enough to thwart human nature.…
Have you ever done something, thinking you’re doing the right thing, and then suddenly things get flipped around and now you’re the one getting in trouble? Having all of your technology taken away as a consequence? In the book Anthem, written by Ayn Rand, Equality 7-2521 experiences something a little similar, only he is the one discovering technology.…
The concept of egoism is presented in Anthem, authored by Ayn Rand, using the principle that every man’s primary obligation should be toward his own well-being. Once Equality realizes what the sacred word to his society is, he begins to write about how the concept of altruism should not be placed at the root of a man’s heart, rather the concept of egoism. As Equality sits with his journal he writes, “For the word ‘We’ must never be spoken, save by one’s choice and as a second thought” (Rand 96). Equality believes that man shall not serve others, rather service themselves in an almost ‘selfish’ manner, with the exception of a man’s choice to work alongside other people. In summary, Equality believes that egoism should be the primary obligation…
In Anthem, Ayn Rand reveals the idea that words can give someone the freedom to choose their own path. Equality, after having suffered from being forced to conform and hide his true self from the oppressive eyes of the society, is now relieved to finally have the missing pieces to his knowledge. He exclaims, “Many words have been granted me, and some are wise, and some are false, but only three are holy: “I will it!” (Rand 94). When Equality discovers the “Unspeakable Word,” he no longer feels restricted to the ties that bind him to the society, despite already having left. He now feels liberated and has finally completed his quest to truly embrace his own individuality. Equality knows that his knowledge of these words will lead him on…
Have you ever been told to do something that you felt was wrong? In Anthem, Ayn Rand tells the story of Equality. He journeys through his life for missing pieces of life. Anthem is a story about being equal. To make that happen, they are not allowed friendship, new ideas, choices, or different appearances, but Equality has all of these, he is breaking many laws. He is getting punished many times. The author uses man v. self, man v. man, and man v. society conflicts to develop the theme do not let others tell you what you can and cannot…
Does everyone have “ego”? In Anthem the citizens of the city grew up not knowing of this word, and in turn its power. They were taught to be a whole, rounded up like tagged mules, doing assigned work blatantly. In the song “Drones” by Rise Against, the lyrics,“The drones all slave away, they're working overtime. They serve a faceless queen, they never question why. Disciples of a God, that neither lives nor breathes (I won't come back!). But we have bills to pay; yeah we have mouths to feed! (I won't come back!)” is the perfect description of the society in Anthem. It is people doing what they have been told to do without putting in their opinion or even thinking of what they want. Although not everyone is indifferent, the beings Equality and Liberty have a lively spirit inside them which is called “ego.” A Latin word which translated to English means “I.” Ego is the enigma which drives one’s actions and thoughts, and separates the person from everyone else.…
Ayn Rand expresses her views on the future with her book Anthem, which is full of adventure and mysteries that never stops surprising the reader especially with how she expresses her views on objectivism. Equality 7-2521 is a character that is on a journey into a discovery that will change his life. Pursuing his life, goals, liberty, and happiness is forbidden. Ayn Rand's works of political philosophical fiction states her negative views on totalitarianism while explaining how individualism is a necessity in life and using a romanticism approach at literature.…
Ego. A word shamed upon in western society, because of negative implications. Men who have become wealthy through their hard works and sacrifices are depicted as “self-centered”. Since, society is angry toward people with huge amounts of wealth. Although egoism is portrayed as a bad thing, it should be a reward and gift. In our world today and language, the word “I” is significant, because it presents individualism. Everyone has knowledge that no one is the same, everyone has unique characteristics. However, to live in a collectivist society, individuality is impossible, as everyone is oppressed under a leader or government. Sadly, a person cannot challenge authority or meet goals, because of the limit to one’s thoughts. Moreover, a collectivist…
Collectivism is primarily the foundation of people who cannot survive as independent individuals. Since said people obviously aren’t individualists, no one is brave enough to go against their society’s norms, therefore retaining the collectivist society. A perfect example of this is in the novella Anthem by Ayn Rand. From the start of this brilliant novel, Equality 7-2521, later Prometheus, the main character and protagonist is trying to find himself, along with what he was placed on this earth to do. Soon enough his journey begins making sure to rebel against the Council of Vocation, since they are the only ones holding him back from his great overtake. Throughout the short story, more than just a light box is discovered; It becomes evident how The Council of Vocations appeal to certain ideas like trying to eradicate the factor of envy in order to justify their collectivist society, as well as how identical the society in Anthem and the one we live in today are, in terms of collectivism.…
Originality, is the ability to think independently and creatively. In the book anthem the character Equality 7-2521 faces many toils in his collectivistic society. Ever since Equality 7-2521 was born he has been more physically and mentally different than his brothers, but his collectivistic society has taught him that to be different is a sin. He tries to suppress his curiosity and transgressions but to no avail. Equality’s character traits such as individuality, intelligence and, compassion make it difficult for him to live and survive in the dystopian society of anthem.…
Ayn Rand’s Anthem portrays a scared world with a homogenous culture and mindset, imprisoning its citizens with their thoughts. This imprisoned mindset caused a regression of technology out of fear of being different and the consequences that came with that. When an individual is erased to be a part of a whole and they are not allowed to question what is “known” nothing new can come about without retaliation, which is depicted in Equality’s story of the society he lived in. Equality 7-2521, a street sweeper, is about to challenge the morality and ethics of his society. In Anthem the rules and restrictions of the society stifled the questioning of established “norms,” showing that to progress, people must be allowed to be individuals, people must be allowed to question, and they must not be afraid to stand alone.…
In “Anthem,” Ayn Rand emphasizes the diction of the novella, by using the negatively connotative words to achieve a tone of immorality. For example, when Equality is in a tunnel and writing, “It is a sin to write this. It is a sin to think words no others think and to put them down upon a paper no others are to see. It is base and evil....there is no transgression blacker than to do or think alone. We have broken the laws”(Rand 17). Also, “Strange are the ways of evil. We are false in the faces of our brothers. We are defying the will of our Councils...The evil of our crime is not for the human mind to probe . The nature of our punishment if it be discovered, is not for the human heart to probe”(Rand 36-37). Equality’s thoughts create a feeling of wrongdoing and dishonesty which are factors of…
People think they know who they are. Personal characteristics and ideas turn a body into a human. Equality lived his life not knowing who he was nor did anyone else living in this world. The novella Anthem was a short story about how Equality discovered himself in a society where people never discover themselves or their abilities. In this world an individual does not exist only a collection of people working for the group. Ayn Rand, the author of Anthem, wanted to shine a light on common values which are now fading from todays society. Ayn Rand, the author of Anthem, was able to create individuality, identity and egoism in this world using repitition.…
It is the way the world develops and becomes better. Equality 7-2521 knows this and is fed up with collectiveness. “I am done with the monster of ‘We,’ the word of serfdom, of plunder, of misery, falsehood and shame.” (97) He is done with collectiveness and ready for the new horizon that is individualism.…