Anthem

When I was younger I was signed anthem for school reading. At the time I remember, quite vividly, hating the story. However, rereading it now in my twenties I actually understand the material and themes that Rand so skillfully wrote.

Anthem went from being a book I had great disdain for to a story I generally enjoyed. I look forward to reading something more substantial from Rand soon.

This was one of my granddaughters English books for 9th grade and she asked if I wanted to read it too. I loved it and was impressed at the depth of the content. i'll have to let her teacher know how pleased l am with her choice.

Depressing because the 'politically correct' are gradually, or maybe not so gradually, forcing us into the type of life portrayed by Rand in this book. Sad as it is happening at a faster pace now.

You must read it to really recognize the symptoms around you every day.

Anthem displays the dilemma we have today in society. The government and the media try to insist that we as a group are some how void of our own rights and feelings for the good of the rest of the society. We place our needs,wants and desires behind those of our brothers. It some how is bad to now have your own exclusive belief and pursue as was written into our founding documents, " the pursuit of happiness". Ayn Rand was ahead of her time and gives the message to protect and cherish our individuality and that you as a person should seek out your life as you envision it.

Not unlike Ayn's other work, Anthem should be looked upon as a warning about where society is headed today. In a world where wealth must be stolen from those who have earned it to be distributed to those who have not and in a time where there is no such thing as first place but only participants, the Author reminds us of the power and inherent good of "I". Anthem should be mandatory reading in Public schools but wouldn't mingle well with the Socialist agenda being forced upon our children.

I recommend this book to everyone. The subject matter is startling in how it foreshadowed the thinking of many people and politicians today. Too often in today's society do the masses push for a shared world which depletes the essence of freedom and strikes down the spirit of individuality. I will read this book again as motivation to always cherish and never silently denounce freedom by giving in to groupthink and becoming a stranger to the power of self worth.

[contains plot spoilers]

Regardless of the flaws in the philosophy of the book, I found that its interesting idea was poorly executed and thought out. In a world devoid of personal property where all are cared for by the government, the speaker still knows words like "beggar" and "gift;" he goes on a long rant about caring for no person but himself, apparently forgetting his lover for whom he has cared for the latter portion of the story; and he despises the concept of "we," despite having learned everything he knows and gained everything he has gained from others, from people of the past, and their learning and inventions. There is a word none may speak, and none know, yet those who speak it are punished despite the fact that none could know that THAT was the forbidden word.

It's by no means bad, and it's so incredibly short that you should definitely read it if you have any interest in Rand. But don't expect to be presented with as cohesive or logical a dystopia as Orwell's, Huxley's or Zamiatin's.

Another great book by Ayn Rand. Very thought provoking and makes you appreciate freedom and the power of your mind. The symbolism and turning point between "we" and "I" was masterfully done. As another reviewer has stated, it really sheds a light on the dangers of socialism.

Ayn Rand's point of view is beautifully illustrated in he writing. One sided to the extreme, it shows her disdain for any grey area thinking. A triumphant ending is always nice, as well. I just finished "1984", and "The Giver"was one of my favorite childhood reads, so this fit in nicely with those titles.

With Ayn Rand resurgent in the news, this quick read will give you a valuable overview of some of her key ideas. And if you already have the print version, well now you can have the Kindle version for free.

I received this book as a Christmas gift, and have read it twice since.

I view its portrayal of the society that would likely be a result of the direction we are currently heading.

I view it as a warning of the longer term consequences of adopting the social consequences of the increasing pressures of political correctness at the expense of personal responsibility and individuality.

This is my first Ayn Rand book(am keeping Fountain head for later). Her style of narration was very different. The story kicks in first chapter itself and never slows down from there on. As my title said, its a short read and a good one.

This book was written many years ago but the message is timeless, especially in these days of renewed infatuation with socialism. Read (or reread) this book and then be thankful for the opportunities you've been given and a future that is yours to determine.

this book reminds me of socialism/communism. when one is born and all ones life he is not given rights to think for one's self....a society which is in complete control of your life, from birth to death. Then self destruction of society comes around.

Extremely insightful, we can not live for our brothers unless we first live for ourselves
I must think, I must invent, I must learn, I must read. If I do not live free responsible to myself
For all I need and want than I am no light and example for my brothers. Do not ask any man to live for you and do not live your for any other man. It is our nature and our right to live free. Oppression is the tool of the collective. I loved this book

A preview of Ayn Rand philosophy and a premonitory vision of the coletivism, populism and political correctness that are destroying the temple and the character of this-once- a mighty, powerful nation, lighting rod of democracy and cult of individual self reliance and self determination

Wonderful, well told story. Very interestingly written, loved the use of "we" to give perspective of the sense of community in the City. I definitely recommend everyone read it. It only took me about 2 and a half hours, it's very manageable and eye opening.

It's a wonderful expansion of Plato's Cave allegory.

Great read. Oh how this short book paints a portrait of the world struggle. Do I rely upon myself for happiness and survival, or do i rely upon a collective ambition for continuance. I think Ive found solidarity and my own ego as a guide for life in the carnal sense. I'm so glad that I found this book. It is alarming in relation to current events. Of course that is just my anthem.

The dystopia she uses to attack collectivism in this book is, as another reviewer said, a straw-man. However, that is precisely what dystopias are: inflated versions of a worldview the author opposes. The society portrayed in this book is neither socialism nor communism, but an absolute anti-individualism. Similar, perhaps, to an ant colony. This setting was chosen to provide a strong foil against her pro-individualistic stance - and it's quite effective.

Regardless of how somebody feels about Ayn Rand's philosophy, this is a well written book. The use of descriptive prose is elegant and aesthetic, and the way she chooses the protagonist's vocabulary is reflective of the society in which he dwells. The evolution of the characters' thoughts are passably realistic, though everything is more of a thinly-veiled symbol of the Objectivist philosophy. There's also a rather beautifully written love story in it.

Given that Ayn Rand has a tendency to draw things out and over-explain, this quick read is the first time I ever actually made it through a full work of hers. That helps make it a lot more effective, so I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read this author.

Great read. Oh how this short book paints a portrait of the world struggle. Do I rely upon myself for happiness and survival, or do i rely upon a collective ambition for continuance. I think Ive found solidarity and my own ego as a guide for life in the carnal sense. I'm so glad that I found this book. It is alarming in relation to current events. Of course that is just my anthem.

The dystopia she uses to attack collectivism in this book is, as another reviewer said, a straw-man. However, that is precisely what dystopias are: inflated versions of a worldview the author opposes. The society portrayed in this book is neither socialism nor communism, but an absolute anti-individualism. Similar, perhaps, to an ant colony. This setting was chosen to provide a strong foil against her pro-individualistic stance - and it's quite effective.

Regardless of how somebody feels about Ayn Rand's philosophy, this is a well written book. The use of descriptive prose is elegant and aesthetic, and the way she chooses the protagonist's vocabulary is reflective of the society in which he dwells. The evolution of the characters' thoughts are passably realistic, though everything is more of a thinly-veiled symbol of the Objectivist philosophy. There's also a rather beautifully written love story in it.

Given that Ayn Rand has a tendency to draw things out and over-explain, this quick read is the first time I ever actually made it through a full work of hers. That helps make it a lot more effective, so I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read this author.