Collectivism Vs. Individualism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

Anthem
"We are one in all and all in one. There are no men but only the great WE, One, indivisible and forever” (19). This shows the ideal case of collectivism; thinking and acting as one mind, instead of individually. Ayn Rand’s book Anthem showcases the differences between collectivism and individualism. It starts off displaying an extreme case of collectivism and shows how nobody has their own name and cannot use words such as “I” or “me”, but only “we” and “them”. Throughout the book, the main character, Equality 7-2521, discovers for himself what it means to be an individual and not just part of a group. I enjoyed Rand’s way of telling this story and how it relates to us today, has a powerful message, and it makes one think of the consequences …show more content…
“Collectivism is the idea that the individual’s life belongs not to him, but to the group or society of which he is merely a part, that he has no rights, and that he must sacrifice his values and goals for the group’s ‘greater good’” (Individualism). Collectivism takes away one’s unique personality and conforms everyone together. It may not be as extreme as Rand describes it, but we definitely have collectivism today. Being in high school, it is very easy to become caught up in being acknowledged, even if that means becoming someone different. Individualism can easily be taken away and one will start to blend in with the crowd. Many countries today have become caught up in collectivism. China for example, is “a highly collectivist culture where people act in the interests of the group and not necessarily of themselves” (Geert Hofstede). Although China is just one representation, it shows that there is in fact still collectivism today. We see things everyday that we should or should not do based on the world’s standards of how people should act, but that can prevent our individuality. One may become so focused on fitting into the standards of today’s world that they will stop acting as an

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Collectivism Vs. Individualism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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Individualism Vs. Collectivism In Ayn Rand's Anthem