Anthem

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Ayn Rand's Anthem attempts to introduce the reader to her philosophical thought within the pages of a science fiction novella. Reminiscent of Hu... (show more)

Ayn Rand's Anthem attempts to introduce the reader to her philosophical thought within the pages of a science fiction novella. Reminiscent of Huxley and Orwell in its brevity and social lessons. Ayn's sole work of "fantastic fiction" is unknown to most - possibly because of its not so subtle vision of a world controlled by a "collectivist" dictatorship. A world that seems to be what Americas national media is so intent on establishing. Whether it is a musical instrument as portrayed in Rush's 2112 (a rock opera tome to this book) or Rands electricity & incandescent Light-bulbs being outlawed and removed from collective history by those who know what is best for us. Rand's vision is eerily similar to much of today's American leftist ideals which have hijacked the democratic party. Ideals previously only spoken of between the intellectuals and social radicals are now being openly adopted within the halls of congress and our president. Ask yourself, who is it that is trying to outlaw incandescent light bulbs today for the greater good of society? Ironically our enlightened overseers are replacing this evil invention with one of the most toxic elements known to man....... Mercury based fluorescent bulbs! A toxic and ecological future nightmare. Rand paints a future that is extreme and exaggerated in order validate her "objectivist" philosophy, yet to a North Korean citizen alive today in our modern world - its a future that is all too real. (show less)

 

 

by Milton Fleitas

No, it's a flop!

Anthem is a novella in the distopia vein of literature, such as 1984 or Brave New World, but does not live up to the quality of those works, belabo... (show more)

Anthem is a novella in the distopia vein of literature, such as 1984 or Brave New World, but does not live up to the quality of those works, belaboured as it by her objectivist philosophy. There isn't much in the way of plot or character development, just a poor attempt at rendering philosophy into fiction.

Rand sets the collectivist stage right away by having the hero always refer to himself and others in the first person plural, nor does the hero have a unique name. The obvious point from the 1st chapter is that this is to reinforce the collective, no possessions, not even name, nothing which is distinguishing, such as his height, but then goes on to state the obvious in a later chapter.

Equality 7-2521 is unique, does productive work, and takes pride in his work (all of which corresponds to Rand's objectivist philosophy), in contrast to the collective (society has actually regressed in science - the newest invention is the candle) which insists on equal misery and the good of all men. Rand seems to have created a superman (her own Zarathustra), a figure who must overcome the irrational world and the irrational man - saved only by their pride and self-esteem - such as her hero in Anthem, Equality 7-2521, even though she is often critical of Nietzsche.

This was my first Ayn Rand fiction work, and I honestly can't figure out why Rand is so popular. (show less)

 

 

by Zach Vaughn

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  Interesting philosophy that favours individualism over collectivism. Pretty much summed up by the following extended quote:

  The word "We" is as lime poured over men, which sets and hardens to stone, and crushes all beneath it, and that which is white and that which is black are lose equally in the grey of it. It is the word by which the depraved steal the virtue off the good, by which the weak steal the might of the strong, by which the fools steal the wisdom of the sages.

  Wh... (show more)

  Interesting philosophy that favours individualism over collectivism. Pretty much summed up by the following extended quote:

  The word "We" is as lime poured over men, which sets and hardens to stone, and crushes all beneath it, and that which is white and that which is black are lose equally in the grey of it. It is the word by which the depraved steal the virtue off the good, by which the weak steal the might of the strong, by which the fools steal the wisdom of the sages.

  What is my joy if all hands, even the unclean, can reach into it? What is my wisdom, if even the fools can dictate to me? What is my freedom, if all creatures, even the botched and the impotent, are my masters? What is my life, if I am but to bow, to agree and to obey?

  But I am done with this creed of corruption.

  I am done with the monster of "We," the word of serfdom, of plunder, of misery, falsehood and shame." (show less)

   

   

  by Rebecca Glover on Jul 14, 2009 at 08:51AM

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  "Anthem" is and early work by Ayn Rand published 1936. It takes place a future in which humanity has digressed to a near-primitive society where the citizens are soulless, expressionless creatures carrying out mundane, state-ordered tasks day after meaningless day.
  The people of this dystopian world have no sense of individuality or self-esteem "for all men must be alike". Even the words "I" and "me" have been long ago outlawed and forgotten. They we... (show more)

  "Anthem" is and early work by Ayn Rand published 1936. It takes place a future in which humanity has digressed to a near-primitive society where the citizens are soulless, expressionless creatures carrying out mundane, state-ordered tasks day after meaningless day.
  The people of this dystopian world have no sense of individuality or self-esteem "for all men must be alike". Even the words "I" and "me" have been long ago outlawed and forgotten. They wear simple tunics and are given names like "Equality 7-2521" and "Union 5-3992". It is a community devoid of romantic love, only love for the state is permitted.
  But Equality 7-2521 is different. He questions, though privately at first, for "it is a sin to think words no others think". His questions make him an outcast and send him on an adventure that will lead him to the forbidden word "I", self identity, love, and ultimately freedom.
  It is a story that is not so much a prediction, but a warning. (show less)

   

  by Facebook User on Oct 06, 2009 at 06:40AM

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