Anthem Essay In the book Anthem, written by Ayn Rand, there is a clear definition of what is meant to be proclaimed in the writing. There are two main words that are the central focus; individualism and collectivism. Imagine a world where a group of people could only do what they were told with the same routine everyday. Along with that, a certain person is referred to as they instead of I with no opinions, and no personality. First, Anthem introduces collectivism as a detrimental mindset which portrays a harmful and dismissive feeling. Second, through an individual's understanding, they realize what is important compared to collective thoughts. Lastly, in one’s nature, we must understand the importance of having our own motivation and dedication
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The thought of caring about a term such as collectivism does not meet someone to their full potential. In the book, Ayn illustrates a man as “Equality 7-2521” and is told to assume his reflection as an equal group of people or his “brothers”. For example, Equality 7-2521 explains collectivism using his sensibilities, “It is a sin to write this. It is a sin to think words no other think and to put them down upon a paper no other are to see. It is a base and evil. It is as if we were speaking alone to no ears but our own (17).” He explains that most people never find their true selves or use their full potential because it is not that important. Collectivism is just an idea that means nothing, but it somehow has a big impact on individuals. An individual should not view themselves or view worldly wants as a more important idea than of that having their own purpose or vision. The feeling it creates is never satisfying which is also stated, “There is fear hanging in the air of the sleeping halls, and in the air in the streets. Fear walks through the City, fear without name, without shape. All men feel it and none dare to speak (46).” This proves that the secret sentiment collectivism conveys is not worth the struggle of the individual's acceptance in the world …show more content…
Taking action as an individual in some cases may seem selfish to someone depending on their point of view. The definition of collectivism is a principle related in a group of people to have a priority for an individual and a society. A collective point in the book is written as this, “They backed away, as if they dared not touch us. Then they smiled, but it was not a gay smile; it was lost and pleading….and then we spoke. Our voice was hard and then was no mercy in our voice (33).” One point shows how sometimes, being to caught up as an individual shows selfishness and ignorance. On the other hand, individualisms definition is a theory of an individual's action over state control or collective community. The man in Anthem states, “I am a man. This miracle of me is mine to own and keep, and mine to guard, and mine to use and mine to kneel before (95).” Even though when an individual acts in selfishness, they can have a reason to do that certain thing for themselves. There are always pros and cons, but being an individual who uses their own ideas and shares their personality would have a better impact than someone who would be afraid to because of what society
The thought of caring about a term such as collectivism does not meet someone to their full potential. In the book, Ayn illustrates a man as “Equality 7-2521” and is told to assume his reflection as an equal group of people or his “brothers”. For example, Equality 7-2521 explains collectivism using his sensibilities, “It is a sin to write this. It is a sin to think words no other think and to put them down upon a paper no other are to see. It is a base and evil. It is as if we were speaking alone to no ears but our own (17).” He explains that most people never find their true selves or use their full potential because it is not that important. Collectivism is just an idea that means nothing, but it somehow has a big impact on individuals. An individual should not view themselves or view worldly wants as a more important idea than of that having their own purpose or vision. The feeling it creates is never satisfying which is also stated, “There is fear hanging in the air of the sleeping halls, and in the air in the streets. Fear walks through the City, fear without name, without shape. All men feel it and none dare to speak (46).” This proves that the secret sentiment collectivism conveys is not worth the struggle of the individual's acceptance in the world …show more content…
Taking action as an individual in some cases may seem selfish to someone depending on their point of view. The definition of collectivism is a principle related in a group of people to have a priority for an individual and a society. A collective point in the book is written as this, “They backed away, as if they dared not touch us. Then they smiled, but it was not a gay smile; it was lost and pleading….and then we spoke. Our voice was hard and then was no mercy in our voice (33).” One point shows how sometimes, being to caught up as an individual shows selfishness and ignorance. On the other hand, individualisms definition is a theory of an individual's action over state control or collective community. The man in Anthem states, “I am a man. This miracle of me is mine to own and keep, and mine to guard, and mine to use and mine to kneel before (95).” Even though when an individual acts in selfishness, they can have a reason to do that certain thing for themselves. There are always pros and cons, but being an individual who uses their own ideas and shares their personality would have a better impact than someone who would be afraid to because of what society