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In the novel Anthem, author Ayn Rand described himself as a “collectivist”
Ayn rand collectivism
In the novel Anthem, author Ayn Rand described himself as a “collectivist”
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Visualize living in a civilization, where when it came to referring to yourself you had to use the word “we”. It would not be easy to express yourself, and having emotion would be difficult, almost impossible. In Ayn Rand’s book “Anthem” this is the life the characters have to live. The characters must refer to themselves as “we” and that they are equal as their fellow men. This is wrong for many reasons because the word “I” makes us who we are and without that we are nothing. Ayn Rand’s story line deprived important points from the character’s lives, took away any sense of feeling, and was far too exaggerated in both individualism and collectivism.
Ayn Rand’s book reprehended important key points in the characters’ lives. They experienced
When emotion is not expressed or felt it is as if there is no conscience. If they cannot achieve emotion it does however place their soul in a place of resentment and they become very harsh and lonely on the inside. “I guard my treasures: my thought, my will, my freedom. And the greatest of these is freedom”(96). When Equality 7-2521 discovers the word “I” he feels extreme types of emotion, sadness, happiness, grief, and anger, but the strongest sensation is the one of joy. He is so happy to be able to think for himself and feel for himself and not have to take orders from anyone. When he was able to feel emotion it was as if a burden was lifted off of him and he could have his own identity. “Emotions and feelings are central to our life, they allow us to exist and achieve the fullness of our personality by motivating us towards that which is good”(Emotion). The quote above shows that emotions are central to life and they help us achieve our purpose in life. In a collectivism society they are given a life, which may not be a joyful one. Emotion gives us identity and the freedom to make decisions for
Rand displays a society which is based exclusively on collectivism. Their civilization refers to themselves as “we” instead of “I”. Everything the people do cannot be for themselves, instead they do things for their fellow men. They respect one another but seldom talk, for there really is nothing to be said that cannot be seen. This type of culture prevents personality and individuality. “He tries to improve this monotonous and simple society, only to be reprimanded by the group that dictates his society, the World Council.” (F. Colton). Equality 7-2521 realizes how corrupt their society is, and look for a way to change it for the better. He then is captured but is able to escape and runs away. After running away he begins to experience individualism, and what it is like to be free. When Liberty 5-3000 follows him he is overcome with happiness, for now she is free too. When they find a house from the era before, they change their names to Prometheus and Gaea, as a symbol of freedom.”I am. I think. I will.”(95) Prometheus discovers the word “I”, and loves the word. He begins to think of what the future may bring, and how he can better himself and help the collectivist culture where he came from. He goes too far in his dream though, and will not even say the word “we” anymore. Prometheus and Gaea though are a “we”, they are an “us” too. He comes to