Essay On Anthem By Ayn Rand

Where ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise. In a society that functions by this proverb, wisdom is hard to come by. However, for a being longing for this wisdom, with a natural urge of curiosity, this “bliss” is hell. Equality, a being longing for the validation of his differences in a society of group mentality, is spare of individual morality. He accepts the ignorance of total equality that is forced on him, but is contrastingly different from the image of a part of a communal whole. He searches for development of individual morality, but is struck dry by the restrictive society, by which he is forced to be, think, and live like everyone else, average and accepting. However, throughout, Anthem, by Ayn Rand, Equality’s view of morality

(x) In order to feel guilt, one must be residing to a set morals and violate them. However, since “all values have to be gained and/ or kept by men’s actions” ,(Selfishness), Equality had been following not his individual moral code, as he had not developed his own morals, but the group morality of his society. Ultimately, Equality still believed in his society, as it was all he had ever known. “Tomorrow in the full light of day, we shall take our box and leave our tunnel open, and walk through the streets to the home of the scholars. We shall put before them the truth. We shall hand to them, as our confession, these pages we have written. We shall join our hands to theirs, and we shall work together, with the power of the sky, for the glory of mankind. Our blessing upon you, our brothers! Tomorrow, you will take us back into your fold and we shall be an outcast no longer. Tomorrow we shall be one of you again. Tomorrow…”(67) Equality still believed his “blessing” could change society, could improve the lives of his brothers. Furthermore, he still held on to hope that he could rationalize his differences, and prove to his society that he was not a curse, but a blessing. Equality is still striving to be likewise his brothers, this “box” is ultimately his purpose for living, as it is going to make him accepted, the goal in his society. This purpose transforms, though, as Equality discovers his true purpose of living, himself. “I wished to know the meaning of things. I am the meaning. I wished to find a warrant for being. I need no warrant for being, and no word of sanction upon my being. I am the warrant and the sanction.” (Anthem 94) Equality needed validation for why he was different, but ultimately, he is the validation, he, as a singular. The discovery of individualism becomes clear, and he finally understand his differences,