AnthemAnthem -- Ayn Rand

What was the historical and cultural context in which she wrote?

Who is Ayn Rand?Born: February 2, 1905Where: St. Petersburg, RussiaWho: *She taught herself to read at age 6*Later became a Russian-American novelist who wrote internationally acclaimed novels such as The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged.*Studied history and philosophy at the University of Petrograd*Eventually left Russia for the United States

Historical Context

*Before Rand left Russia, Communism had become the political and economic ruling system.*Communist rule brought the confiscation of her father’s pharmacy and periods of poverty and hunger for her family*Her university experience also limited her ability to freely inquire and explore ideas, though she fell in love with western film, plays and history

Historical Context: CommunismCommunism -- From Latin (communis = common, universal) a government system in which goods are owned in common and available as needed-aims to erase social class and gaps in wealth, power, and control that can arise in a capitalist society in which many work to survive while few privately reap the benefits and profit from the work of others -- SPREAD POWER-arose in the mid 18th century as a result of industrialization and the social conflicts the new economy created

Historical Context: Communism-Communism is a controversial term/idea in many western countries-A handful of “communist-led” countries still exist:China, Cuba, Laos, Vietnam, North Korea-There are a handful of other countries in which communist parties hold a majority in political power, though the country does not identify itself as communist.

Historical Context: Communism

*Rand opposed communism*She believed in the rights of the individual over the collective or common “good”*She saw in America a model of what a nation of free men and women could be*She came to the United States in 1926 and never returned to Russia

The link between culture and literature

*Rand’s distrust and discomfort with Russia’s collectivism is what inspired her to write Anthem.

Collectivism

Collectivism -- emphasis on a collective group identity and action rather than an independent/individual identity and action-priority lies with the group over the individual-the practice of ownership of the land by the state rather than by the people-emphasizes the interdependence of the people

Collectivism

Historical Context: CommunismWhy is communism criticized?-some argue that it hinders advancement of technology and incentives for entrepreneurship and innovation-others argue it reduces prosperity and wealth of nations and individuals-many question its political and social effects (religious freedoms, free market, totalitarian tendencies -- rule without consent of populus and widespread propaganda, surveillance and repression of free thought/speech, art, and culture)

Totalitarian/Dictatorial

-based on a government that is totally centralized (power is held by few rather than equally distributed)-requires complete subservience of its people-the government sees no limit to its authority and what it can control; it strives to regulate every aspect of a citizen’s private life

Historical Context: Communism

Communist Ideals Continue to Resurface and Recycle in Modern Society

The Farm -- Summertown, TennesseeMission: “To be a part of something bigger than ourselves, to follow a peaceful and spiritual path, and to make a difference in the world”-one of the longest-lasting “intentional living communities” in the U.S. (est. 1971)-sustainable, communal, education/outreach

So what did Rand propose instead of communism/socialism/collectivism?Objectivism -- the philosophical theory developed by Ayn Rand that urges people to be selfish, though she reminds us that hurting others is not in our self-interest:-follow reason, not whims or faith-work hard to achieve a life of purpose and productiveness-earn genuine self-esteem-pursue your own happiness as your highest moral aim-prosper by treating others as individuals https://www.aynrand.org/ideas/overview

Egoism vs. AltruismEgoism -- derived from Latin ego = “i” -- the philosophy that one’s self is, or should be, the motivation of one’s actions (not to be confused with egotism, which is over inflating one’s own importance)vs.Altruism - a selfless concern for the well-being of others

Criticism of Objectivism & Ayn Rand-some argue that Rand has no grounds as an academic philosopher -people closely associated with Rand have found her arrogant, dogmatic or hypocritical-Her philosophy is often used as the basis for more extreme political agendas (minimal government which enforces no minimum wage law, operates no schools, collects no taxes,supports no health care system, and otherwise runs a completely laissez-faire economy)

Take the Quiz

Are you more individual or collective-minded?

http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0070876940/student_view0/chapter2/activity_2_6.html

Works Consulted

Aynrandlexicon.comthefarm.orgaynrand.orgrotman.uwo.ca