Introduction to Ayn Rand and Anthem

Ayn Rand (1905 – 1982)Born in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1905Taught herself to read at age 5Began writing fiction at age 9Graduated from college in 1924, having

focused on philosophy and history in her studies.

Traveled to the U.S. in 1926 to pursue a career as a screenwriter in Hollywood.

With various minor successes in Hollywood, she began writing novels in the early 1930s.

Ayn Rand’s political viewsFiercely opposed to the

collectivism of Russian society. ◦1917 Bolshevik Revolution◦Communist confiscation of her

father’s property led to near starvation on a number of occasions.

◦Loss of academic freedom under Communist rule

◦Supported American ideals of freedom, self-interest, and capitalism.

Ayn Rand’s political views, part 2 Objectivism: Reality exists, separate from human

consciousness, and humans only understand reality through sensory perceptions. ◦ This reality can only be understood through the individual lens;

that is, each person can only understand his/her senses and has a moral obligation to pursue his/her own happiness. Morality is individual. Man must choose his own values and standards

and follow that for his own self-interest.

◦ Reality involves reason; we must face facts at all time and accept them as they are, no matter how pleasant or unpleasant they may be.

Laissez –faire capitalism is the best form of government. This is a form of government in which economic systems and markets are allowed to do whatever they will do, without government control or intervention. It is the most free form of government and economic system. ◦ It is, according to Rand, a system of individual rights.

Ayn Rand’s novels We the Living: rejected by a number of

publishers until 1936, this was mostly autobiographical, focusing on life under Soviet tyranny.

The Fountainhead: published in 1943, this novel was initially rejected by twelve publishers. This novel focuses on the benefits of individualism.

Atlas Shrugged: A work of intellectual mystery, that integrated her entire philosophy into various characters who were to be considered heroic. This was published in 1957.

Anthem (1938)

Anthem (1938) Anti-collectivist novellaTells the story of one man’s rebellion against a

totalitarian society. The main character’s name is Equality-7-2521The unpardonable crime is independent

thoughtThe word “I” has been banished from this society

that has repressed all manner of individualism, individual rights, and individual freedoms.

The novella also considers the meaning and glory of man’s ego and man’s power as an individual.

Unique style; written as a prose poem, almost as an anthem or ode to man’s ego.

All information derived from the Ayn Rand Institute Teacher’s

Handbook, aynrandeducation.org, and aynrand.org