A Review: Anthem by Ayn Rand

What happens to a world where the concept of “I” is lost? What happens to a society where the very words “my,” “mine,” and “myself,” are not only forgotten, but are forbidden? What happens, when humans are made to live like ants, without egos, without will, only as a part of a collective, with society deciding their functions, choices, partners, and ultimately death. Imagine living for everyone, except yourself.

Welcome to the world of  Anthem. Written by Ayn Rand, this novel begins precisely with this concept, and conveys what happens when the morality of collectivism is taken to its logical extreme. Showing a world where humans literally cannot think for themselves, or even think of themselves as “individuals.”

The title ties in significantly with the novel's theme of rediscovery. Portrayed through her simplistic writing style, Rand allows the rediscovery of what it means to gain, lose, love, and live for oneself. In a way, the novel reminds readers that every being is given an anthem, and it is a sole choice whether it will be heard.
Being a rather short novel, Anthem primarily represents the key to a better understanding of the philosophy known as “objectivism.” Created by Rand, this philosophy can be seen scattered throughout many of her novels, such as Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. I recommend this novel to anyone interested in philosophy, or the genre of dystopian fiction.