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I have been trying to wrap my head around this book. I'm not sure if I completely "got it".
No individuality, no choice, no love, no inspiration, no ingenuity, no joy, no passion. That is what society offered in the world of Anthem. The "greater good" becomes the greatest evil when the individual has no control over their own destiny. The collectivist society even restricts the use of singular pronouns!
To my understanding, objectivism is the philosopy that the individual's happiness, liberty, and choices should come before society's needs. Although I believe that everyone is entitled to the pursuit of happiness and should do what makes them happy, Objectivism seems to have some pitfalls. It does not take into account poverty, racial, and gender inequalities that might hinder an individual.
Objectivism also requires capitalism as a way to restrict government control on property and commerce therefore protecting the individual's liberties. But I question if capitalism would be the best economy. Rising medical expenses, tuition rates, and pharmaceuticals would make Rand's "heroic being" unable to achieve "moral purpose in this life".
Back to the book. Very imaginative and unique. I can see how this book later inspired Divergent, Hunger Games, the Giver, etc. I love dystopian literature and this world was MESSED UP! I don't know if I will ever read Atlas Shrugged or The Fountainhead but I felt like this was a good introduction into the Ayn Rand world.
I would recommend this book to philosophers and dystopian lovers.
No individuality, no choice, no love, no inspiration, no ingenuity, no joy, no passion. That is what society offered in the world of Anthem. The "greater good" becomes the greatest evil when the individual has no control over their own destiny. The collectivist society even restricts the use of singular pronouns!
To my understanding, objectivism is the philosopy that the individual's happiness, liberty, and choices should come before society's needs. Although I believe that everyone is entitled to the pursuit of happiness and should do what makes them happy, Objectivism seems to have some pitfalls. It does not take into account poverty, racial, and gender inequalities that might hinder an individual.
Objectivism also requires capitalism as a way to restrict government control on property and commerce therefore protecting the individual's liberties. But I question if capitalism would be the best economy. Rising medical expenses, tuition rates, and pharmaceuticals would make Rand's "heroic being" unable to achieve "moral purpose in this life".
Back to the book. Very imaginative and unique. I can see how this book later inspired Divergent, Hunger Games, the Giver, etc. I love dystopian literature and this world was MESSED UP! I don't know if I will ever read Atlas Shrugged or The Fountainhead but I felt like this was a good introduction into the Ayn Rand world.
I would recommend this book to philosophers and dystopian lovers.