Collectivism And Communism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

Words: 445
Pages: 2
Open Document
When one reads even the first paragraph of Ayn Rand’s “Anthem”, it is difficult to not immediately draw a connection to the multiple communist regimes throughout history. Multiple connections can be drawn, and external evidence can be used as well. Ayn Rand was very opposed to collectivism, and in turn, communism. She even designed a philosophy that directly opposes it. The idea that shall be expanded on in this essay is simple. The world of “Anthem” is essentially an elegant critique of collectivism and communism. A portion of Ayn Rand’s life was spent under the oppression of Stalin’s Soviet Union. She saw firsthand the damage that collectivism caused. Then she was almost thrown out of college for being disapproved of by communist sympathizers. She had a fascination with western culture, with surely only cultivated the skepticism of her legitimacy. Not long after graduating college, she escaped to the United States. The freedom of the west opened her eyes to the plights back home in Russia, and this helped birth her philosophy of objectivism. She also later wrote “Anthem”. Looking at the world of “Anthem”, it is clear to see the societal flaws. People are to act in a collective manner, and bow to the state. This is but a brief summary, and many more details can be given out. Vocations are given at an early age, but even the most …show more content…
The basics of communism are well known. Everyone is to be equal, as everyone is of equal importance to the state. Immediately this jumps out. Moreover, Russia was plagued with an oppressive government that enforced the detrimental rules of equality that crippled individualism. No personal items, no personal land, no rewards for being of extra importance to the state. This could describe either the book, or the Communist regime, as they are very
Show More

Related Documents: Collectivism And Communism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

Ayn Rand's Anthem Essay

In Ayn Rand’s essay, How Does One Lead a Rational Life in an Irrational Society?, she suggests that when these leaders are voted for by the people or even chosen by the existing government, most of their morals and ideas that won them the election are tossed out of their minds in favour of twisted political morals, which do not care about the people as individuals. The…

Words 796 - Pages 4

Ayn Rand BIography Essay

and Legacy of Ayn Rand If you could live in a peaceful environment where everyone was supposed to be the same and there was no confrontation or having anyone be better or more successful than you would you choose to live here? No matter what you or anyone else says Ayn Rand’s answer would be a definite no. Ayn Rand is a famous author from Russia. She is a huge activist for individualism, the belief in the importance of being your own individual person and being self-reliant. Ayn absolutely hates…

Words 666 - Pages 3

How Does Anthem Relate To Ayn Rand's Philosophy Of Objectivism

Anthem by Ayn Rand is a classic novel that can relate to many historical beliefs, issues, and events. Anthem displays a society where many economical-political beliefs are used. Rand exposes the many problems these beliefs have throughout the book using her philosophy of objectivism. Anthem takes place in some unknown future time and place in which freedom and individual rights do not exist. Anthem displays an extreme collectivism society which has led to the start of a dictatorship of the fascist/communist…

Words 762 - Pages 4

Compare And Contrast Anthem And Harrison Bergeron

“Communism” is the idea of that everyone is equal, which all property is publicly owned. It sounded perfect when it is on paper. But, when this idea apply to real life situation, it doesn’t work at all. Which Ayn Rand’s “Anthem” and Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron” are the two stories that condemn the idea of communism, but they differ in the tone which the author chose to write, different ego from the hero, and the way to achieve equality. Although both the stories are making fun of communism…

Words 528 - Pages 3

Collectivism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

“Collectivism holds that the individual has no rights, that his life and work belong to the group and that the group may sacrifice him at its own whim to its own interests”(Ayn Rand). Anthem is a novella written by Ayn Rand, sets place in the future where individualism is cease to exist. A collectivist society that taught citizens to be the same and not be different. The citizens have no rights and remain the same. Ayn Rand was born Alissa Rosenbaum in 1905 in St. Petersburg, Russia. When she was…

Words 844 - Pages 4