Opposition To Collectivism In Anthem, By Ayn Rand

Plato once said, “Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.” By being forced to do what is not wanted, keeping the genius within oneself behind bars, and unnecessary punishments, ideas of resistance may occur in one’s mind. Ayn Rand shows opposition to collectivism through the lack of preference of jobs, human intelligence, and strong discipline.
One way that shows opposition to collectivism is the lack of preference of jobs. According to the text, it states, “Dare not choose in your minds the work you would like to do when you leave the House of the Students” (Rand, 22). The members of the society in Anthem are not even allowed to think about their future. The jobs would be chosen for them instead. Also stated in the text, “A Street Sweeper walking in upon the World Council of Scholars! It is not to be believed! It is against all the rules and all the laws!” (Rand, 69). This section of the novel shows that once a job is chosen for an individual, they can’t step foot anywhere else that is not part of their job. It is against the rules to do

To demonstrate, “Take our brother Equality 7-2521 to the Palace of Corrective Detention. Lash them until they tell,” (Rand, 64). For one piece of information, the leaders of the society are willing to beat the citizens until the information is leaked. In fact, if what is wanted by the leaders is not released, the punishment would continue until it is. In other words, “You shall be burned at the stake,” (Rand, 72). In this case, to solve a large problem, the leaders choose to come up with the worst punishment. As a result, individuals are put to death for going against the society’s rules and laws. Discipline can be good to keep order, but there are several times when enough is