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7-2521 And The Collectivist Society In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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The First chapter of the book, Anthem states,“It is a sin to write this. It is a sin to think words no others think and to put them down upon a paper no others are to see. It is base and evil.” In the collectivist society Equality 7-2521 lives in, there are many rules put into place. In this society all must live as one and one must function as all. Therefore, when Equality 7-2521 goes out on his own, it is seen as a sin and or crime. There are many struggles and hardships throughout the story. Moreover, the root to all the problems is solely based upon the fact that he is living in a collectivist society. Collectivism is defined as, the practice or principle of giving a group priority over each individual in it. In the dystopian society …show more content…

Being seen as an individual is a “sin” to the society. Due to individuality contradicting the idea/rule of collectivism. Equality 7-2521 is a very intellectual man. He could be seen as superior over his other brothers. Therefore, the World Council of Vocations assigns him the job of street sweeper to exemplify the fact that he is not any better than any of his brothers. However, Equality 7-2521 sees this as a way to pay for the “sins” he had …show more content…

The answer to this question would most likely be no. Equality 7-2521 now known to be Prometheus had been living in the same collectivist city his whole life. He had been committing transgression after transgression because he wanted the individuality he never had. He wanted nothing more than to be “I” instead of “we”. In his new society, Prometheus will have his people be free to be who they want to be. Prometheus and Gaea (Liberty 5-3000) will finally break free of collectivism and join a new society of Individuality. As you can see, living in a collectivist society would not be ideal. This type of society does nothing less than strip you down of you individualism. This takes away the mind on one and makes one a whole. Prometheus alongside Gaea will create a society made for man. A society where being an individual is promised to their people. A society of freedom. In this city, you are given the liberty to be yourself Collectivism is just an idea, not a way of living in this civilization. “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.” -Ayn

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