Ayn Rand Institute

Anthem is a dystopian society novel written by Ayn Rand. Its content thoroughly introduces the philosophy of human nature. Our main character, Equality 7-2521, lives in a futuristic time called the Great Rebirth where everyone lives in a society with collectivism as the backbone. Citizens have no rights but exist solely for the state. This establishes the main theme of this novella— individualism versus collectivism. Equality 7-2521 does not feel the guilt in committing crimes against the State like thinking alone and keeping his discoveries a secret. Anthem brilliantly teaches us rebellion and individual responsibilities through Equality 7-2521’s eye-opening self-revelation. Anthem’s storyline is constructed around a communist, dystopian…

Throughout the novel Atlas Shrugged, written by Ayn Rand in 1957, one rhetorical question is proposed on multiple occasions. In a world where businesses are failing at every turn, this question serves to embody the very essence of the hopelessness and the defenselessness of an entire nation, as well as their utter loss of human spirit. This question, however, appears to be so simple on the surface, seeming to seek the identity of a mystery man. It is asked by homeless men, businessmen and diner…

In the book, Anthem, by Ayn Rand, one of the main themes revolves around relationships. The relationship between Equality and the Golden One is very special because in their society they are not allowed to talk to the opposite gender, let alone look at one another, but they feel a connection so strong they try making it work. Equality knows how special the Golden One is and tries to forget about her, but he knows he can’t and needs her in his life. Throughout the course of the text, the theme of…

that most effectively reflect my ideals as an active thinker. The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand has ended up being my all-time piece of literature I have ever laid my eyes on, and that is saying something, seeing how I’ve read books like Green Eggs and Ham. Ayn Rand’s work is practically overflowing with details which allows me, the reader, to get closer to the characters in the story. While the abundance of details would seem difficult to decipher, given that the book is centered on careers in…

Everyone is told to be themselves. In a society such as our own today, it is easier than ever to be your own person and express yourselves in your own way. Being an individual is something that is very important to people and to society. Although, in a book like Ayn Rand’s Anthem, individualism is taken from everyone and our main character strives for some expression of his own despite it being the greatest sin in his world. With a name like Equality 7-2521 you can tell that he is only being…

collectivism or altruism, is the root of benevolence and goodwill among men”; Ayn Rand philosophically declared that these two distinct fundamental ways of living - individualism and collectivism- in her novel ,Fountainhead, as her themes. In Ayn Rand’s words, the theme is “ individualism vs collectivism, not in politics but in men's souls”. The Fountainhead contain forms of Rand’s philosophical belief and her novel would envision the idea that “ man’s ego is the fountainhead of human progress”.…

Throughout Ayn Rand’s Anthem, reader's watch the main character, Prometheus, develop. Prometheus lives in a Dystopian future, where the government limits and destroys the idea of individuality. Minimizing both men and women, every citizen is equal to each other. Prometheus understands that his “sins and transgressions” are what made him an individual and they separate himself from others around him. Prometheus discovers his individuality through his intelligence, curiosity, and determination.…

How would you react if someone controlled your entire life? Your job, thoughts, spouse, home, everything! In Anthem, written by Ayn Rand, this is exactly the case. Throughtout the book Equality tests his limits and eventually gets caught. However, he runs away and finds the Uncharted Forest. Equality laughs when he remembers that he is “the damned” because he is now able to be curious and to prefer others. In Equality’s society the government chooses his life mandate. The government puts…

The phrase “rules were meant to be broken” has held true for rebellious teenagers throughout time. But what if breaking the rules meant death or banishment? In the book Anthem by Ayn Rand, the protagonist Equality 7-251, lived in a “utopian” society. This society had many rules and inhibitions implemented in it in order to prevent individuality and selfishness and promote collectivism and unity. After Equality escapes into the forest, he sees himself creating his own society. The society…

Many times throughout the novel Anthem by Ayn Rand, Equality 7-2521 goes against the rules and regulations of his community. In the final chapters of the novel Equality 7-2521 finally goes against all of the laws and runs away from the community. Although he goes against rules in his community, it brings out the best in him. Throughout the entire novel he progresses and changes into the characters he has become in the end. Equality 7-2521 learns many things including self worth, individuality,…