Objectivism is shown in a number of ways throughout the novella, Anthem written by Ayn Rand, using reality, reason, capitalism, and self-interest. The entire novella is composed of these four subjects giving insight into the philosophical beliefs of Ayn Rand.
Reality, the state of things and how they exist, is shown most when the main character, Equality 7-2521, begins to question the information the Council has been teaching. We all may believe different things, but there’s in one thing that is absolutely true. It’s a fact, and although it may not match up to your beliefs, it is reality. Take for example, the electricity that was discovered. The Council didn’t believe it to be true,”they would not understand it, nor would they believe it.” (Rand, page 60), but Equality discovered it. In reality, electricity is there, it is made up of energy and it travels- it’s a fact. According to Ayn Rand, reality is what exists, it’s what is. She also believes that “reality is not to be …show more content…
“Give me liberty, or give me death!” I want freedom, or I have no reason to live is another way of putting that. Rand wants individuals to have their own voices. On page 52 of Anthem, Equality states that he has “discovered a new power of nature. And that he has discovered it alone.”, he’s gaining his own freedom by learning and moving out of the social norm based on the sociological rules forced upon them by the Council.
Self-interest is when someone takes the initiative to set their own goals, have their own thoughts, and live their own life. In Anthem, Equality begins to think in a way no one else has mustered up the courage to do. He starts to refer to himself not as “we”, but as an individual with his own thoughts and beliefs.
To conclude, Ayn Rand demonstrates her beliefs on the four components of objectivism by placing them throughout her