Altruism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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Altruism is the rationalization for the mass slauArthur Zhao
Fiction
Anthem
Why do you think the author chose the title he/she did? Analyze its deeper meaning. If it is an obvious title, rename it something more symbolic and explain your rationale.
Ayn Rand made it very difficult for the reader to understand the purpose of the title. In fact there are many different reasons she could have possibly chosen this title. Some say she chose it instead of her other title Ego for publication reasons basically believing the title Anthem was more intriguing. Others believe there is a deeper meaning to it than that. The dictionary definition of anthem is a song or poem of celebration usually in relationship with religion. Interestingly enough the entire …show more content…

One being the fact that this book is a collection of her essay and speeches. But the main one is how this book discusses her own Philosophy. She first explains the importance of philosophy and how it used in the real world unknowingly today, but she then says the philosophy most people follow today, Altruism, as irrational. “Altruism is the rationalization for the mass slaughter in Soviet Russia – for the legalized looting in the welfare state – for the power-lust of politicians seeking to serve the common good” (Rand 27) Altruism is basically the thought of having selfless actions and to serve others. This completely contradicts Ayn Rand’s philosophy of living, Objectivism. This is where the book becomes different form other books and even the entire world. Many people and religions are taught to help others. This follows Altruism in the fact that we are serving others and being selfless. Objectivism has many different layers to it but one of the most important parts to it is the concept that man should be self-serving. That we should be selfish and live for ourselves only under the condition that it doesn’t harm others. This is extremely different from everything we are taught since we were …show more content…

Give a brief summary of what your story might be like. These should be meaningful and relevant to the author’s purpose.
A possible nonfiction plot based on this idea of the necessity of philosophy would to create a fictional situation where the world doesn’t have philosophy. The story would show the effects a world without philosophy would have on in it. It would cause many people to lose hope and meaning to their lives. In society like today, survival is not as difficult in the past where there is a need to fight against the weather, animals and limited resources. Humans wouldn’t live to survive and the lack of philosophy would take away some peoples purpose of

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