Anthem is a dystopian fiction novella by Ayn Rand, first published in 1938. It takes place at some unspecified future date when mankind has entered another dark age as a result of the evils of irrationality and collectivism and the weaknesses of socialistic thinking and economics. Technological advancement is now carefully planned (when it is allowed to occur at all) and the concept of individuality has been eliminated (for example, the word “I” has disappeared from the language). As is common in her work, Rand draws a clear distinction between the "socialist/communal” values of equality and brotherhood and the «productive/capitalist” values of achievement and individuality. Many of the novella's core themes, such as the struggle between individualism and collectivism, are echoed in Rand's later books, such as The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. However, the style of "Anthem" is unique among Rand's work, more narrative-centered and economical, lacking the intense didactic expressions of philosophical abstraction that occur in later works. It is probably her most accessible work.
At first, man was enslaved by the gods. But he broke their chains. Then he was enslaved by the kings. But he broke their chains. He was enslaved by his birth, by his kin, by his race. But he broke their chains. He declared to all his brothers that a man has rights which neither god nor king nor other men can take away from him, no matter what their number, for his is the right of man, and there is no right on earth above this right. And he stood on the threshold of freedom for which the blood of the centuries behind him had been spilled.
And now, sitting here in our tunnel, we wonder about these words. It is forbidden, not to be happy. For, as it has been explained to us, men are free and the earth belongs to them; and all things on earth belong to all men; and the will of all men together is good for all; and so all men must be happy
В философии Рэнд есть много прорех и наивности. Эта книжка получилась недружелюбной к женщинам, не замечающей их. Но, возможно, это было сделано ради целевой аудитории: мужчин, ведущих страны к коммунизму. Впрочем, можно выборочно выловить прекрасные идеи жизни ради гармонии с собой и личного счастья, ради труда для себя. В общем, коротко и мило, синопсис "Атланта..."
In her works,Ayn Rand critics socialism, totalitarianism, and above all - depersonalization. Her books have the agenda to show the sanctity of an individuality and diversity, the power of minds. “Anthem” is a hymn to these. The story about Prometheus who rose upon the bondage of the word “We”.