Though written in story format, Anthem is a thinly veiled philosophical and political tract. As such, she very much does not approve of collectivism, and that is what she is challenging in Anthem. She believes in the power of the individual and has loathing for anything that compels a person to do anything. One thing that would be helpful to know is that she's crazy. Readers unfamiliar with Ayn Rand should know some things before they launch into Anthem. Though heavy-handed, there is a lot that is interesting in Ayn Rand's brief philosophical work. Now that I'm older and better educated, I have a much better understanding of what Ayn Rand was up to. At the time, I loathed it, as I did much of my required reading. Overall, I really think what did enhance this book for me was having read The Republic previously, and taking a class on Ancient and Medieval Political Thought/Philosophy, it really helped to clarify what ideals Ayn Rand was trying to express in her novel.Actually, I have already read Anthem, ages ago, when I was in my sophomore year of high school, so long, apparently, that the yellow of my highlighting is scarcely discernible.
Some see it as their obligation to help others leave the cave, some don’t. These people are tricked into believing there is no technology. Also, the members of the society described within Anthem are pretty much kept in the dark, much like Plato’s cave. Much like the Republic, children never find out who their parents are, so as to break the filial bond. To be honest, I really do think Anthem by Ayn Rand owes a lot to The Republic. At the age of 15, you probably would want to read something a little more accessible than The Republic by Plato, so this book would most likely come across as a more desirable read.
I can definitely see the appeal to younger readers with a burgeoning interest in philosophy.
This certainly isn’t the worst dystopian novel I’ve read, but it isn’t the best either. Along the way, many philosophical lessons are learned. It is a crime to have thoughts which are different from the thoughts of others (thought-police anybody?).Īnyways, Equality 7-2521 falls in love, makes some discoveries, and decides he is more important than the State. Oh and once a year they have what is known as the “day of mating.” People start their lives by living in a home for babies, then they go to school, then a council decides upon their vocations at the age of 15.
Essentially, this book is about a man named Equality 7-2521, who is a free-thinker.Īnthem begins by describing the society in which Equality 7-2521 lives. Ayn Rand expounds on the importance of syntax, the meaning of we vs. Obviously, Anthem by Ayn Rand is a diatribe against collectivism.
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