I just read Ayn Rand's Anthem for the 10th time and notice I now side with the Society. What is wrong with me?

Question

I came to the part where the council worried that the new light invention will put the candle makers out of business and I realized that newer isn't always better.

Answer 1

You have grown into an intellectual stage of exploring both sides of an issue, which is , well, normal to a degree. This is the stage where real education begins, its application to the surroundings, and to existence itself aas applied to living within society.

Ugh. If that sounds too patronizing, it is. It does every now and then. In your life, you will not stay judgmental on one issue over another, you will keep one exploring the different sides,until, like most adults, you will remain firmly in the middle of the fence.

Answer 2

The book is manipulating your mind and how you see society. I have just finished reading the book, and I think it's very interesting. She takes a very good perspective and everything flows perfectly! Now, as much as I like the book, and find it interesting, I don't think that anyone could agree with ourselves as to see a life that way. In no way should anyone live like these people do. You think that how they live sounds good, but in essence, it sucks! You no nothing about the world, and only see life in a plain box. What you do (for instance a street sweeper), is your life goal. You have no era for expansion, unless you break the law. And no one approves of technology. The word "I" is unknown to mankind, unless in the Home of the Aging.

This is possibly the most DRASTIC perspective that Ayn Rand took to show the evil of communism. I don't feel she liked communism, and I truly believe she wrote this not only because it was a break and intermission during her more famous book, but because she wanted to show just how awful communism is.

Please don't get carried away thinking that this type of society is good, because it has no logical explanation. They put stupid people in government and as scholars so that no advancements can happen. PRIDE is a sin. That's why it says in the beginning of the book "It is a sin to write this." The author (Equality) is a sinner, but only because what he does is felt as "pride".

Don't read this book anymore. Pick up one of her other books. Try the Fountainhead!

Answer 3

With the invention of a superior product, candle making became a poor allocation of resources, both material and labor. These resources are freed to pursue more efficient use.

The candle makers could now use their wax to make starter logs for fires, water-proof paper and wood, or coat foods for longer shelf life. All of these uses would improve the lives of the community.

Conversely, they could beg/bribe the authority to ban other light sources, or demand the community pay them for producing nothing.

I prefer the improved life and incentive to create, personally.

Answer 4

The fact that you've heard of Ayn Rand at all suggests something about your age, let alone having read it ten times.

I suspect you've recently started receiving money from the government, and this has resulted in a subconscious need to morally justify your status as one of the parasites you formerly realized were participating in the government theft of goods and services.

Yes, there's something wrong with you. You're becoming intellectually dishonest, because you did once know better. You're not like most of the liberals who never did understand, you once understood.

Answer 5

OH MY. what has our society done to you?! Come to the light!!! Get away from the world and our socialist government for a while on vacation.. How about Galts Gulch? :-) Something is wrong with you, wake up and quit believing that intelligence is evil for starters.