Collectivism In Anthem To The Fountainhead, By Ayn Rand
Collectivism is a very common theme in Ayn Rand s writing. From Anthem to The Fountainhead, her
opinion is very clear: individualism is the source of freedom and joy, while collectivism is the root of
sorrow and slavery. In Anthem, the main character, Equality 7 252, has grown up in a collectivist
society that has remained strong for centuries. In that society, no one has had the choice to do what
they want to do, love what (or who) they love, and simply be who they are. That society praises the
idea that men live only for each other. Living for oneself is evil, a Transgression. The idea of I , Me ,
and Mine has disappeared, dragging the precious words along with it. Throughout the plot, Equality 7
2521 is seen both unintentionally and intentionally defying his society. At first, he condemns himself,
describing his evil acts and mind and labeling his different mindset as a curse. We were born with a
curse. It has always driven us to thoughts which are forbidden. (Rand 18) He is also condemned by
others, for things he cannot control. He is taller than most other people, he has preferences for what he
wishes to become, and he has ideas and opinions. Yet when his life assignment is Street Sweeper, he
rejoices. He sees that as a way to pay penance for his sins. Later on, however, he embraces his
individuality. I am. I think. I will. (Rand 94) He is the first to accept the idea of individuality for
centuries, and helps others accept it, too. A similar struggle is seen in The Fountainhead. The main
character of that novel, . Howard Roark, has to defend himself in court after dynamiting a government
housing project that he designed. An agreement was made that the project would be built exactly as
designed, but it wasn t, so Roark made a protest against collectivism by destroying the project. He
ends up in court. He then delivers a moving speech titled The Soul of an Individualist . In it he
proclaims his individualism, and denounces collectivism as a parasitic system in which no one can
achieve anything or truly live. I came here to say that I do not recognize anyone s right to one minute
of my life. Nor to any part of my energy. Nor to any achievement of mine. No matter who makes the
claim, how large
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