Anthem – The argument for self-fulfilment against self-sacrifice

One of Ayn Rand’s classics, Anthem is a simultaneously beautiful, introspective, inspiring, and gripping story of individualism in a dark and dystopian future. Almost a predecessor to her later works, The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, Anthem is one of Ayn Rand’s early introductions to the idea, and meaning of individualism. A book for those grappling with questions of what they owe to those around them. To the society. And the world. Anthem – like many of Ayn Rand’s works – forces you to answer one question before anything else. “What do I owe myself?”

The Plot

Anthem follows the story of Equality 7-2521, who is our hero in a dystopian society, set in an unspecified future date. A future where humans no longer serve themselves, but are ‘conditioned’ to serve the society. A society where innovation isn’t applauded, but frowned upon and condemned. And any form of individuality has ceased to exist. To the point that the words ‘I’ and ‘Me’ are taboo. A society where one does only what he is assigned, and not what he desires. Simply because he is prohibited from having any desires. It is no wonder that this is a future that has destroyed all traces of science. And has burnt civilization itself to the ground.

And it is in this future that Equality 7-2521 – rises against the cruelties that have misinformed and imprisoned countless individuals. He does this with an act that is punishable with imprisonment, and more. The act of writing. And this is followed by another simple act. Thinking. Leading to years of research and experiments conducted in secret, by sneaking out unnoticed. Making scientific discoveries – or rather rediscoveries of what the world had lost. Before eventually doing what was possibly the highest form of desertion and betrayal of his society. Falling in love. With a woman of his choice, not of his society’s

But so strong is his world’s conditioning, that even these simple acts of self-joy are enough to convince him that he has betrayed his society. To convince him that the decimation of his dream to pursue science and the life of a sweeper forced upon him is a reward fit for his act of betrayal. It is only after years of self-loathing for this betrayal that he realises the ‘self-betrayal’ that his society has championed. The very society he believed he had abandoned. And finally accepting the fact that he had always sensed but had refused to believe. His duty towards his own happiness. His responsibility to fulfill his own desires. And the realization of the ‘self’ that the world had lost.

It is with this realization that Equality 7-2521 commits himself to rebuild the world. And this begins by recognising, respecting and above all, accepting the word deemed as ‘unspeakable’ by the society he has left behind. The anti-collectivist word ‘I’. It is the power of ‘I’ that he must now tap into to liberate other like minds, and rebuild the world.

I worship individuals for their highest possibilities as individuals. And I loathe humanity for its failure to live up to these possibilities.

Ayn Rand
Anthem

An Anthem for Individualism

Like many of Ayn Rand’s work, at its core this book is an anthem for individualism. With a one-of-its-kind story, our hero isn’t someone with superpowers or extraordinary abilities. Rather it is his desire that makes him a hero. His desire to be more than a faceless part of a whole and pursue what he wants is what makes him special. Anthem is Ayn Rand’s exploration of the power of simple ideas. In this case, showcased by the power of a simple words – ‘We’ and ‘I’ – and the significance they can have. Telling the story of a society that has used – rather misused – the power of ‘We’, or the collective, to shackle individuals. On the other hand, a man determined to use the power of ‘I’ or individualism to liberate it.

Undeniably Ayn Rand. But an undeniable philosophy?

For anyone familiar with her works, Anthem is a distinctly Ayn Rand piece of work. Not just in its style or prose. But the objectivist philosophy and themes of individual happiness that form the core of the story. The concept of man not just as a hero, but a heroic being. The idea of a man’s own happiness being the highest form of his moral purpose.

But that is exactly what makes Ayn Rand’s work a little controversial as well.

At a glance, it looks like her work encourages a self-centred approach to life. Without a care to anyone and everyone around you. But that isn’t the case. The idea of individualism is to pursue individual happiness. And especially in today’s day and age, it is about finding the right balance between care for others and care for yourself. Something that is easier said than done. Whether it is at work, in your social circles, or in your personal lives. To what extent do you comply with others’ needs? And at what point do you say ‘No’ to their demands for your own sake? The answer to that is obviously different for different individuals. That is what Anthem, like most of Ayn Rand’s books are about. The pursuit of individual happiness, wherever it lies. And the cost of pursuing this happiness.

It is my will that chooses. And the choice of my will is the only edict I respect.

Ayn Rand
Anthem

Philosophy delivered through fiction. But born out of suffering

It’s worth noting that a lot of her work, including Anthem, were written at a time when quite a few countries and government bodies were guided by some or the other form of collectivist philosophies. And she therefore witnessed its horrors first-hand. So even though some of her ideas and philosophies may seem a little over-the-top and too idealistic for the 21^st century, it remains a philosophy something that – to an extent – still demands attention. Perhaps not in its entirety. But at the very least in a gentle form that combines her rigid principles with a certain level of pragmatism that can help you preserve your individual identity without losing sight of your goal.

Anthem – Should you read it or skip it?

Definitely a must-read. Especially considering it is a short novella that should not take more than two or three hours of your time, and yet delivers one of Ayn Rand’s most significant pieces of work.

Anthem is an undoubtedly classic Ayn Rand piece, that outlines her dislike for socialist values and what it advocates. Putting forth the virtues of an individual and his potential that are further strengthened by his freedom. The freedom to do as he desires, without judgment, or guilt. The freedom to place the needs of ‘I’ before the needs of ‘We’. And above all the freedom to serve yourself before anyone else. Its significance and depth of meaning highlighted by what Equality 7-2521 finally comes to declare, ‘I WILL IT.’