Morality In Anthem By Ayn Rand

Anthem Morality Essay Morality is a particular system of values and principles of conduct. In the novella Anthem written by Ayn Rand that she writes about two opposite moralities: collectivism and individualism. Collectivism is followed by a totalitarian dictatorship. Equality, the protagonist, is opposed to collectivism morality; instead, Equality chooses individualism as his moral compass. Equality’s characteristics are curious, intelligent, and strong. He lives in a society that encourages universal uniformity and crushes individualism. The society that Equality lives in strides for complete uniformity. This society is controlled by a council of elders. They dictate every aspect of a man’s life, from their dress, to their jobs and mates.

Anthem is written in first person plural: the concept of self is rendered void. Collectivism is the belief that the group has a higher priority than each individual. The protagonist says “there is no transgression blacker than to do or think alone.” Everyone is expected to be uniform in mind and body. This idea is etched into the soul of every young child. In primary school, children are reprimanded by their teachers if they are in any way different from their peers. For example, the differences could be height or intelligence. In this environment, many scientific developments and new technologies are developed by the Home of the Scholars. The evidence can be seen by the following quote “All the great modern inventions come from the Home of Scholars.” (Rand 23) For example, scholars study the earth to invent the candle, glass, and string. However, the speed of scientific development is slow. And many scholars seem inept at

He is reprimanded by his teachers because he is taller, curious, and stronger than other boys. Despite his mistreatment, he retains his curiosity into adulthood. He still wonders about the natural properties of the world. And he strives to become a scholar. Despite his obvious aptitude and interests in being a scholar, the council relegates Equality to the position of street-sweeper. Regardless of his current situation, he strives to be a powerful man living outside the system that oppresses him. He pursues scientific interests in an abandoned subway tunnel. His research is not just for the benefit of society, but for his own self-interests. Eventually, he discovers electricity, but later he finds out that society is not ready for such a groundbreaking idea. The Council of Scholars deems electricity too dangerous to current industries. Equality exiles himself to the Dark forest because of fears of prosecution. In the Dark forest, he finds the true feeling of individualism and freedom. He describes his initial experiences as “Our arms stretched out of their own will, and our body whirled and whirled, till it raised a wind that rustled the