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The Leader In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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In the novella “Anthem” by Ayn Rand, we discover that the society portrayed thinks as one. When they were tempted to speak out against the leaders in this society they would recite to themselves, words that were cut into marble over the portrayals of the Palace of the World Council. “We are one in all and all in one. There are no men but only the great WE, One, indivisible and forever.” (19) They are taught that uniqueness and singularism are sins and must never be executed let alone thought of. So it makes sense that the people living in this society have never opposed to the leaders in this society. They believe that when the leaders make a decision, it is equal and in the best interest of everyone. On page 85 through 86, equality says “Everything which comes from many is good. Everything which comes from one is evil. Thus have we been taught with our first breath. We have broken the law, but we have never doubted it.” This idea is an example obedience. Equality, and everyone else who lives in that society, are taught from birth that if you have your own ideas and think for yourself, it is evil and done in vain. But if you have …show more content…
Men must learn till they reach their fifteenth year. Then they go to work.” (20) This is an example of drudgery. From an early age, they are forced to mindlessly obey the order of the council. Once they reach the age of fifteen, they are forced to work. They rise when the big bell rings in the tower and the sleep once that big bell rings again. Then the three teachers would come in and say “We are nothing. Mankind is all. By the grace of our brothers are we allowed our lives. We exist through, by and for our brothers who are the state. Amen.” (21) They would go through this process every day, over and over, from the day they start working until the day they die. They are absentmindedly obeying their

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