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The Word Ego In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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Ego. A simple word to describe a self-sufficient person with no help in need. Although in this generation, people believe the word “ego” is something awful and it is used to describe a person who puts themselves first and neglect those who are around them, but there is another definition in which Ayn Rand explains. In “Anthem” by Ayn Rand the author portrays the word “ego” in a more suitable and in a considerate way. She explains that being an egoist is discovering the unimaginable things you can do by becoming an independent without a hand helping you. A human being should not let a person dominate you on what you can and cannot do; it should be about making your own decisions and using your knowledge to your full advantage. For example, a …show more content…

At the end of the book, Prometheus is a described as an egoist from Ayn Rand’s definition. As he enters the forest to escape the dreadful society with his street sweeper friends, he is only on the lookout to find something where he can live and have shelter for himself. Prometheus was leaving his friends in order to take joy in his life without their help. If it weren’t for Liberty he would have kept going and enjoy his life. Liberty is the reason why he felt the need to open his heart and share his soul. Ayn Rand also mentions that love is for one’s enjoyment because it’s a matter of a human being wanting to compromise with another living soul, not a necessity unless the government is obligating a person to do so, like in “Anthem” City Palace of Mating, a person should be able to choose their living soul in which they want to start a relationship for their own use. As Prometheus chose Liberty for his own reason, he only did it to feel jubilant and care about himself while having someone he loved to. For this kind of selfishness, Prometheus may be called an egoist, but from the author’s point of view he is outlooked in a diligent

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