Anthem Rhetorical Analysis

Anthem - Prompt Three

In Ayn Rand’s Anthem, she presents Equality 7-2521 member of a primitive future’s collectivist society. Throughout the novelette Equality questions everything their government tells them is good and true. Is it really an evil to be alone? Or to be smarter than someone else? Is it so wrong to want to do something more than sweep streets for the next twenty years? Equality comes to believe that “self” is the most important thing; you should only do what will help you as san individual to prosper. In short, he becomes an egoist. In our modern society egoism is generally viewed with negative connotations. So was Equality right? Should we view our happiness as most important, or should everything we do be for the better …show more content…
He believes that each person, as an individual, should be ruler of their own life and make decisions that benefit their own life. You should only do things for or with when you absolutely want to. The novelette closes with a speech about this philosophy, leaving the reader with the feeling that this is what Ayn Rand believes. The flaw in this thinking is actually quite similar to the flaw in a collectivist philosophy. Very little progress can be made when people are only concerned about their own life, their own progress. If everyone only helped others when they felt like it, when it was convenient, then society as a whole will progress very little. So, if collectivism has flaws, and so does individualism, then what is the answer?
I believe that an individual needs to find a balance. Understand and care for yourself, recognize your own individuality and your unique talents but also recognize how you as an individual can use your uniqueness and your talents to help other people. Help other people even when it might not be the most convenient thing in the world, help them when you may be tired, or when you just don’t feel like it. But still help yourself. Take time for yourself; treat yourself as important. This philosophy allows progress on all fronts. You become a better individual who helps to better the

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