Ayn Rand and Anthem

Ayn Rand Born in Russia, educated under communists Escaped 1926 to America b/c it represented her individualist philosophy

Anthem (1938) n This novelette depicts a world of the future, a society so collectivized that even the word "I" has vanished from the language. Anthem's theme is: the meaning and glory of man's ego.

Anthem n Written in 1937 as a novelette about the essence of collectivism n Published in England in 1938, America in 1946

Theme n “It is a sin to write this. It is a sin to think words no others think and put them down upon paper no others are to see… there is no transgression blacker than to do or think alone.”

Theme n This quote begins Anthem which according to Rand expresses the meaning of man’s ego. n The story is about an individual imprisoned in the collective; how it can happen; what ideas one must accept for it to be possible.

Theme n It is both depressing as it represents people in such a society and it is hopeful in the triumph of the human spirit for those who are brave enough to reject the ethics of collectivism, no matter the cost.

Philosophical Concepts

Collectivism vs. Individualism

Collectivism n The subjugation of the individual to a group – whether to a race, class, or state does not matter n All thought and action must be “for the common good” n The individual has no right to lead his own life n The individual has no right to pursue his own happiness, or use his own property n An individual’s worth is determined by his service to the group

Individualism n Every man is an independent, sovereign entity who possesses an inalienable right to his own life. n A civilized society can only be achieved on the basis of the recognition of individual rights. n Groups possess no right separate from the individual members. n Individualism does not mean one can do whatever he feels like doing; it means every man is an individual and has the same rights.

Selflessness n Defined as “Lack of Self” n No one has a name n No one should prefer one person over another n It is wrong to disagree, to question, to have independent thought n Individual has no rights

Selflessness n Without self one must abstain from thinking and simply obey the leaders n When individual identity and thought are obliterated, a society of mindless robots with no motivation, no ambition, no hope emerges. n Nothing is created because there is no room for creativity.

Egoism n Defined as “being concerned with one’s own interests” n Each man’s primary moral obligation is to achieve his own welfare, well-being, or self-interest. n Man should be “selfish” in the sense of being the beneficiary of his own moral actions.

Egoism n For example: u Having Ambition u Wanting things for one’s self u Wanting to learn u Wanting a career that makes you happy u Thinking for one’s self u Loving another person of choice

Conformity n The act or habit of bringing oneself into harmony or agreement with others; adhering to conventional behavior.

Independence n Acceptance of the responsibility of forming one’s own judgments and living by the work of one’s own mind.

Free Will vs. Determinism

Free Will n Advocates that people u can make choices, u can make up their own minds, u can direct their own lives by the ideas and values they adopt

Determinism n Advocates that people are by nature in the grip of forces beyond their control n For example: Race, the Stars, Instincts

ANTHEM & Free Will n The story shows what it means to have Free Will n They are Robots by CHOICE n The Protagonist will exercise his free will by making a different choice

n Romantic Realism u The story is REALIST because these are REAL PROBLEMS of normal people (Not monsters, superheroes, or robots) u The story is Romantic b/c it is not about every day trivia or the boy next door F It is instead about the “fundamental universal problems and values of human existence.” F Romanticism contrasts with Naturalism which holds that people are crushed by forces over which they have NO CONTROL (FATE) Setting/Point of View

n Point of View First Person Plural (“We instead of “I”) n Story begins in the distant future n Protagonist is in the late teens or early twenties n Totalitarian Society – Government controls every aspect of every individual’s life from cradle to grave. Setting/Point of View

n Expectation is to expend one’s life for the needs of the society, never a moment for one’s self. n If one’s usefulness is gone, he is a burden and should not live. n Because no one has personal desires, the authorities need no threats or force to rule.

n Anyone who doubts his society feels guilty about doubting. n The society has no industry or technology. n The protagonist struggles to understand (man vs. society).

Sequence of the Life in Anthem Society n Each is conceived in the Palace of Mating n Young years are spent in the Home of Infants n Formative years are lived in the Home of Students n After being assigned a vocation, individuals are placed in special homes according to vocation n Old Age is spent in the Home of the Useless