Example Of Individualism In Anthem

The theologian Paul Tillich once declared, “Individualism is the self-affirmation of the individual self as individual self without regard to its participation in its world.” In Anthem, a fictional novella by Ayn Rand, we see the theme of individualism play out, and it gradually becomes an anthem for the story’s hero. The protagonist, Equality 7-2521, lives in a society that teaches citizens that collectivism is the only option for humanity to thrive. Equality quickly learns this way of life is not ideal and coins his anthem: “I shall live my own truth,” (Rand 48). By wishing to live out his own truth, Equality realizes the significance of individualism and the change it can bring. As a result of this realization, Equality starts to live a

“It is not good to be different from our brothers, but it is evil to be superior to them,” (Rand 8). In Equality’s society, it is a crime to be different from others. By doing this, the government ensures that no rebellion occurs, as it is instilled from a young age that having thoughts others disagree with is a crime. The totalitarian government preaches that no individual should focus on their happiness but instead on the happiness of their brothers. “‘Indeed you are happy,’ they answered. ‘How else can men be when they live for their brothers?’” (Rand 19). In this dystopia, people are required to always put the happiness of others before themselves. However, it becomes increasingly more evident throughout Anthem that only a select few people in the story are content. Eventually, Equality realizes that the collectivist lifestyle is not as miraculous as the government

An anthem is a rousing song that embodies a specific movement (Merriam-Webster Dictionary), such as Equality’s movement toward a future where individualism is valued. Ayn Rand chose Anthem as the title for her book to hint that Equality not only discovers himself in the novel but pushes others to discover themselves as individuals and not as a society. In doing so, Rand teaches that being independent of others and the ability to have one’s thoughts is crucial. The anthem in the book is about the overriding theme: