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The Theme Of Objectivism In Anthem By Ayn Rand

806 Words4 Pages

Objectivism, an idea where one uses self reason to grow selfly and has the main moral goal of individual happiness. In Ayn Rand’s philosophy of objectivism there are four main pillars: metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and laissez-faire Capitalism. In the novel Anthem Rand uses character, plot and setting to develop a climatic story guideline following the pillars of Objectivism. Primarily, the main character Equality is quite disparate from the other men in his society. He is far more intelligent and very open to curiosity. However, he is unfortunate enough to be living in an altruistic society which forbids this self interest of pursuing knowledge. Everything that he does has to be for his brothers as there is no I in we. Despite these …show more content…

Men are said to live for their brothers' happiness and one shall not be selfish. Equality strives away from society’s norms bit by bit and begins to reason that after discovering the lightbulb he was committing an act of selflessness. Later on when he runs away to the Uncharted Forest, he observes his surroundings and begins to reason with the world and why it looks the way it does. He says that he cannot change how the world is to be perceived and that facts are facts. In response to Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism, the first tenet is metaphysics. In simple words, metaphysics is one's ability to agree on logical terms. Faith is illogical and everything is set naturally. Chapter 10, page 93 says “We look ahead, we beg our heart for guidance in answering this call no voice has spoken, yet we have heard. We look upon our hands. We see the dust of centuries, the dust…stirs no fear within our hearts…May knowledge come to us! This piece of evidence supports the pillar of metaphysics because Equality has now developed a new sense of reality where fate cannot be restored and that things do happen for a reason. Knowledge is to be accounted for at an objective

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