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

otherwise. Being able to choose for oneself is a privilege that should be supported, not taken advantage of.
Furthermore, human intelligence is also used. Ayn Rand comments, “We looked upon Union 5-3992, who were a pale boy with only half a brain.” (Rand, 21). In this section of the novel the reader is told about the boy with a half a brain and can assume that the boy is the least intelligent. Therefore, the other members of the society are stooped down to the boy’s level of intelligence so everyone is equal. In Anthem, it is also noted that “what is not thought by all men cannot be true.” (Rand, 73). One could have the potential to be the smartest in the society and even come up with an amazing idea. Though, if it is not thought of and talked about by the rest of the people, it is considered untrue. Instead of keeping it locked up, human intelligence should be embraced.
Equally important, Ayn Rand uses strong discipline to show opposition to collectivism.

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

enough.

Being able to choose freely and learn without intense punishments may lead to one having a beautiful life, not a corrupted one. Instead of forcing or using harsh methods to teach a child, allow one to be free and blossom into their inner genius.