Anthem is a novella by American writer and philosopher Ayn Rand (1905–1982) that encapsulates her philosophical ideas on individualism, free will, and the creative potential of the human mind. First published in 1938 in the United Kingdom and republished in 1946 in the United States, the work is considered an early expression of Rand’s later-developed philosophy of Objectivism.

Plot Summary

The story takes place in a dystopian future where the word “I” has been outlawed and individual identity has been completely erased under a collectivist regime. The protagonist, Equality 7-2521, secretly pursues forbidden scientific inquiry and experiments with electricity and light. His rediscovery of the word “I” symbolizes both personal enlightenment and liberation from an oppressive social order. The narrative emphasizes Rand’s belief that reason and free will are the fundamental sources of human life and progress.

Themes and Philosophical Context

Central themes include individualism, rationalism, freedom, and the celebration of creativity. Rand argues that the pursuit of one’s own happiness is the highest moral purpose of existence. She rejects collectivism and compulsory altruism, maintaining that human reason and productivity arise not from society but from individual freedom. In this respect, Anthem serves as a precursor to her later novels, The Fountainhead (1943) and Atlas Shrugged (1957), where her Objectivist philosophy reaches full maturity.

Form and Narrative Style

The novella is written in a manifesto-like tone, using the pronoun “we” instead of “I” to reflect a world where individuality has been abolished. This linguistic device mirrors the suppression of personal identity within the collective society. As the protagonist rediscovers the word “I,” the narrative voice itself transforms, symbolizing the rebirth of individual consciousness.

Literary and Philosophical Influence

Anthem shares thematic parallels with George Orwell’s 1984 (1949) and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World (1932), yet differs in its focus on philosophical individualism rather than political critique. The work had a profound impact on libertarian and pro-individualist thought in mid-20th-century America. Through Anthem, Rand introduced the foundational ideas of Objectivism—reason, self-interest, and freedom—to a broader intellectual audience.