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Obstacles Of Advancement In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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Obstacles of Advancement In Ayn Rand's Anthem, we encounter a very unstable future society. Totalitarianism has overtaken this culture. This means that one group of people rules over society and tolerates no variation of opinion. We find the people in Anthem's society to be slaves to the god "We" and individuality eliminated as much as possible. One major way Anthem differs from most books placed in a future time period is the absence of scientific and technological advancement in this society. In fact, there is scarcely any technology in this society at all! Ayn Rand was trying to illustrate certain ideas to the readers about discoveries that are made, particularly in these areas. Let's delve into her ideas presented regarding these …show more content…

When Equality 7-2521 brings his discovery of the light bulb before the council of scholars, one of the council members exclaims, "It took fifty years to secure the approval of all the Councils for the Candle, and to decide upon the number needed, and to re-fit the Plans so as to make candles instead of torches. This touched upon thousands and thousands of men working in scores of states. We cannot alter the plans again so soon (Rand 74)." This totalitarian society is completely bound by everyone else. Each person had to have candles in order for it to be fair. Therefore, they were limited in what they could do. Individuality is vital for discoveries to happen and begin to gain a foothold as a part of society. Technological and scientific advancements can't occur when everyone is hampered by everyone …show more content…

First, Rand showed there is a very important connection between developments in science and technology and individuality. Second, she asserted that when people are limited by others, advancement is impossible. Third, she displayed that not only is positive growth impossible when equality for everyone and the loss of the individual occurs, but these actually cause society to move backwards in science and technology since advancements in these areas are obstacles of equality. And finally, Rand showcased that every individual needs the opportunity to discover. Anthem is a unique futuristic book where technology and science have moved in the wrong direction. Rand uses this to make these incredible points along the

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