Egoism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

Anthem, by Ayn Rand, is a very unique novel. It encircles individualism and makes the reader think of how people can conform to society and do as they are told without knowing the consequences and results of their decisions. Also, it teaches the importance of self expression and the freedom that comes along with being your own person and having the power to choose what path to take in life. Figurative language is used often in this book and in a variety of quotes that have great importance to the theme, plot, and conflict of the novel.

Although Equality 7-2521 acknowledges that his great re-discovery of electricity will benefit all of mankind, that wasn’t his primary motivation for making it. In Chapter V, Equality says, “We can give our brothers a new light, cleaner and brighter, than any they have ever known.” (60). He recognizes that this discovery will completely alter the way his society is set up, presumable for the better. But, as he states later in Chapter VII: “We have lied to ourselves. We have not built this box for the good of our brothers. We built it for its own sake.” (76). Thus, Equality’s primary motivation for conducting his experiments is not to help others, but to help himself. It’s his own curiosity to find the extent of his abilities and power that drives

When most people think of the forthcoming, they think of the evolution of technology. Yet, the novel Anthem by Ayn Rand contrasts your thoughts of the impending. This future date in the story is a dark age where technological advancements are planned out and individuality is nonexistent. The protagonist, Equality 7-2521 is a noble an independent young man who challenges the rules of the Society, who is the antagonist of the novel. Being that Society opposes self freedom and voice, Equality 7-2521 is in a constant battle to hide his true feelings throughout the plot. Equality 7-2521 progresses the plot by showing the readers how he chooses to deal with the Society's rules. Also demonstrating how he decides to break away from the Society when it becomes too overwhelming.

Ego- a person’s sense of self-esteem or self-importance. Also known as the forbidden word of the totalitarian society created by Ayn Rand in Anthem. In Rand’s 1938 novel, her main character, Equality 7-2125 unknowingly followed the path of individuality, which was against the wishes of society. Proving that knowledge is a product of the observations and mental integrations of individuals, he rebelled against the ideals his society chained him with. He found his ego and sense of self, amidst a world who deemed it a sin to do so. Through the point of view/narration, themes, characterization and conflicts, Rand wanted to convey the dangers of a failed government, and the need for individuality.

What would it be like if we lost all sense of being an individual? Doing everything for the sake of the people around us? Imagine a world that is so highly collectivized that the word “I” has been banned.

In the book Anthem written by Ayn Rand the main protagonist, prometheus says that the word “ego” is holy. Prometheus or known first as equality 7-2521 starts questioning his roles in the world and how the world works. The word “ego” can be viewed but, is actually good. Prometheus proves this by his causes or action and effects of those actions. The word “ego” is viewed by prometheus as good or holy because of the words true definitions, “the soul of an individualist” speech , Prometheus, and today's times standards.

Ayn Rand, a Russian-American novelist, philosopher, and playwright wrote the novella Anthem in 1937. During the time Rand was writing this novella, the ruthless dictator Joseph Stalin mercilessly ruled over Russia. Also during this time, the beginnings of World War II took place. These events more than likely inspired the plot for Anthem, a dystopian fiction. Rand's projection of the totalitarianism of Anthem's society is astounding, the book itself has feeling and meaning in correlation to today's world. Anthem depicts a collectivism dictatorship world of the future as in this world there is no "I", these people are forced to follow a strict set of rules, and they are born in bulk, learning and knowing only what their higher powers want them to learn and know.

Most people in modern society are followers and need someone to tell them what to do. They enjoy being governed so they can stay on task and be productive. Others resist control and dislike being told what to do. These people always question why something is being expected of them and can govern themselves. Some do not fall into these categories and balance between being a follower and a leader, for they can control themselves and others at the same time. Ayn Rand's dystopian novel Anthem sheds light to the problem of individuality and its thin line between autonomy and chaos.

Self is a person’s identity, character, and personality. Self differentiates a person from a population by creating the individual through soul, spirit, and state of mind. Self is the basis of humanity. In Ayn Rand’s Anthem, by the laws of a government based on bettering your brothers (21), the concept of solitude is closely related to ego; an idea so horrid the word is declared unspeakable (49, 105), and the freedom of individual thought is denied (22). Rand traps her characters in a totalitarian society of primitive technology to showcase that viewing society as one results in the failure to embrace individualism. This causes a lack of awareness as the primary focus of people is to replicate the norm rather than to strive for their own success. Technological progress is established via unique ideas of a single being--like Equality--because the crowd of dependent people has neither the capable thought process nor courage to stand out.

Have you ever had a motivation? Have you ever wanted to strive for something so you can be something? Well, in the Anthem by Ayn Rand, Equality 7-2521 is motivated to get into the Home of Scholars. The Home of Scholars is responsible for making discoveries in natural sciences to improve the society. Equality is very curious and while experimenting he discovers something.

"There are two sides to every issue: one side is right and the other is wrong, but the middle is always evil," Ayn Rand, author of Anthem, once said. This being said, being in the middle of self rights and the majority vote would never work for it is evil. It is only evil because of the way nothing can progress and after all progress is the main part of a society. Choosing a side is the first step to a better society, but more importantly its the side you choose to follow. Objectivism is the route one should pursue to find a better tomorrow.

People who see the importance in themselves, have experienced failure, and understand their potential to grow have a “full” identity. For example, Hillary Clinton, a presidential candidate in the current election cycle has been through countless scandals and failures, ranging from her husband’s affair to her e-mail fiasco. Her struggles have shaped her character, forcing inner reflection, giving her a sense of humility, and revealing her areas to grow, thus giving her a “full” identity. Hillary and her struggles perfectly demonstrate a full identity formed through constant struggle and inner reflection. Similarly, as exemplified in Chris Cleave’s novel Little Bee, a conscious sense of self-awareness forms a full identity.

Prometheus, from Ayn Rand’s Anthem, is a prime example of an individual who seeks personal gratification and achievement over societal equality. Prometheus is originally very frustrated with his “abnormalities” in that he is aware of his differentiation and uniqueness from his “brothers” within society and tries to transforms into conformity—until he finally had a taste of solitude which marked the instance for his acceptance of being that of the “other.” Prometheus’s world focuses upon the forced

Egoism, The basis of Ayn Rand’s teaching is the theory that selfishness could be a foundational moral built within us. Explained further it goes on to redefine the pursuit of happiness as an end goal that gets done by a person catering to their own needs.

Ayn Rand’s Anthem is the story of a man’s personal growth and quest for freedom from the rules and regulations in the society, which he lived. As the novel’s protagonist, Prometheus struggles to find meaning in his life and to understand his own unique nature. As he gains independence and freedom, Prometheus also discovers the beauty of his soul and the power of his mind. By the end of the novel, Prometheus has become a true man, proud, fearless, exuberant, and independent. He has also learned the evils of his society and in addition to rejecting them; he has begun a war against them. In following Prometheus on his quest to find himself, Anthem illustrates the evils of collectivism by depicting a society of frightened and oppressed men, crushed under the needs of the common good. Why did these rules exist? Why is there