Individualism vs. Collectivism

Individualism vs. Collectivism

The principal political issue in Anthem - and in society at large - is the issue of individualism vs. collectivism.  The society depicted in Anthem is a collectivist society.  "Collectivism," Ayn Rand wrote, "means the subjugation of the individual to the group - whether to a race, class, or state does not matter."  In such a society, the individual is owned by the group; he has no right to a private existence, which means no right to lead his own life, pursue his own happiness, or use his own property.  The individual exists only as part of the group, and his worth is determined by his service to the group.

The alternative to collectivism is individualism, the view advocated by Ayn Rand.  "Individualism," she wrote, "regards man - every man - as an independent, sovereign entity who possesses an inalienable right to his own life, a right derived from his nature as a rational being."  Individualism does not mean that one can do whatever he feels like doing; it means that every man is an individual and has the same rights.