The Role Of Individualism In Anthem, By Ayn Rand
What makes a human an individual? Would it be the characteristics that make us unique, the usage of the word “I”, and or different personalities? Imagine being born into a society where there is no such thing as “I” or an “individual” and we were only taught plural pronouns. The impact that would have on our personal development and individuality is brutal. The word “we” impacts the lack of individuality by degrading self esteem, replacing the usage of the word “I” in society, and supporting collectivism over individualism. First and foremost, the word “we” impacts the lack of individuality by degrading self esteem. In the society, the word shows that one individual himself has no worth or value, but all men together are potent and equal. “We
…show more content…
The society in the novel supports collectivism over individualism because the Council does not want anyone discovering individualistic qualities and causing conflict in the State. “This is a great sin, to be born with a head which is too quick. It is no good to be different from our brothers, but it is evil to be superior to them.” (Rand 21). “What is not done collectively cannot be good.” (Rand 73). It is implied in the novel that during the Unmentionable times, individualism was starting to develop and arise, and that is why the Council is so strict now about all men being the same and one. Likewise, every individual is given a 5 digit number after their name to display that the society is collectively all one and united. “Our name is Equality 7-2521, as it is written on the iron bracelet which all men wear on their left wrists with their names upon it.” (Rand 18). “We looked upon Union 5-3992, who were a pale boy with only half a brain and we tried to say and do as they did,...” (Rand 21,22). Individuals have no knowledge of individuality, so they are not given actual individual names but instead
The society in the novel supports collectivism over individualism because the Council does not want anyone discovering individualistic qualities and causing conflict in the State. “This is a great sin, to be born with a head which is too quick. It is no good to be different from our brothers, but it is evil to be superior to them.” (Rand 21). “What is not done collectively cannot be good.” (Rand 73). It is implied in the novel that during the Unmentionable times, individualism was starting to develop and arise, and that is why the Council is so strict now about all men being the same and one. Likewise, every individual is given a 5 digit number after their name to display that the society is collectively all one and united. “Our name is Equality 7-2521, as it is written on the iron bracelet which all men wear on their left wrists with their names upon it.” (Rand 18). “We looked upon Union 5-3992, who were a pale boy with only half a brain and we tried to say and do as they did,...” (Rand 21,22). Individuals have no knowledge of individuality, so they are not given actual individual names but instead