Review of Ayn Rand's Anthem
345680
I just finished reading Anthem and I have to say that it was amazing. The story is of a future where the word "I" has disappeared and society has formed into a collective society where no individual thinks of themselves but rather thinks only of the collective group. The story follows one individuals process of freeing his mind.
2337836
There are many reviews on this book, 611 at this point and probably growing.  There are also many different versions of reviews that range in scope, from the strickly literary view, to the strickly philosophic view.  While reading this book, you must take into account Rand's one and only purpose, to present a clear and unmistaken account OF WHY she has developed her philosophy.
The "OF WHY" part is most important.  Here is why.
The "Atlas Shrugged" story is not a picture of realistic life as we know it.  Our world only contains bits and pieces of the book.
(So you know, Rand was a child around the introduction of Communism in Russia.  She faced this reality first-hand.  So her world may very well have been close to what can be found in the book)
Having said this, I will make the following comments.  Her book is a plot device to convey the points of her philosophy.  The book has short-comings as do all pieces of litature.  Her characters are archtypical and completely one-dimensional.
The plot and characters are like many of the classic literature pieces, not reflective of real-life or at least people we know today.  They(the characters) only serve to create the shape of her ideas.  That is all.  The protagonist characters (specifically Galt)only represent the ideals of her philosophy while the other characters represent the ideals of the socialist.
Instead, Rand is trying to convey the point of looking for pieces of her characters in the enviroment you can relate too today.
NO, Rand is not from academia and I'm sure you'll find many people making comments on construction of her philosophy.  This is my opinion(as is all reviews) but I believe that Rand, like all FOUNDERS of philosophy, not people who study philosophy, wrote their beliefs in accordance to what they saw in their enviroment.
Anyways, I believe if you read this book with this in mind, you will get the point she is trying to make, regardless if you agree with her or not.
4180353
If you are new to the works of Ayn Rand, I recommend reading Anthem first.  It displays some of her philosophy, and is the most readable of her fictional works, mostly because of its brevity.
599077
Ayn Rand examines 'collectivism' from a slightly different perspective. The willingness of mankind to submit to slavery to the collective is juxtaposed to the native satisfaction of what the individual brings to life; calling it a sacred thing. It was a fresh face on a classic theme.
2603470
This book was definitely an eye opener for me.  It was suggested by a friend that I read Ayn Rand and this book would be a way for me to get my feet wet before I started Atlas Shrugged.  I picked this book up and read it all in one sitting, but I know that this book is so deep that I will have to read a few more times before I can completely understand. I have that personality where I have to take care of everyone else instead of me and now I have been walking around since reading it thinking I, not we.  The lesson in objectivism is mind blowing...
4409361
The documentary, at times, felt like an infomercial for the book (which isn't necessarily a bad thing), but that's the only negative. It's a bit of a refresher course on Atlas, it provides great insight into Rand's goal, adds to ones understanding of the book and helps dovetail her prophecy with the world we live in today. If you took the time to read the book (which clearly was a major commitment) another 90 minutes won't be that difficult.
The documentary also walks you through Ayn Rand's life and helps the viewer understand why she wrote the book.
The movie reminded me that I need to go out and find new people who might learn from the book. As I left the theater, I actually considered reading it a third time...thankfully, I quickly came to my senses (LOL!)
4472202
Howard Roark is an architect who does not comply with the norm. For this, society criticizes him and tries to destroy his career. Impervious to all, he marches to the beat of his own drum and rises to the top. He becomes the fountainhead of achievement.

The Fountainhead is a fascinating look at how a collective mindset can ruin the individual. It is the individual who achieves and creates. Attempting to stifle the individual results in failure to advance as a society. Society will remain in the quagmire of mediocrity.

Ayn Rand does a brilliant job in creating a cast of characters that contrasts with Mr. Roark and illustrates the problems of society. Peter Keating, Roark's architect rival, represents mediocrity. Elsworth Toohey, who instantly sees Mr. Roark as a threat, represents socialism. As is typical with Ayn Rand, many of the character's speeches are lengthy commentaries that reflect her philosophy. In reality, most characters would not speak that way. It is however, interesting to have a glimpse as to what is going on in the author's mind.

The love story between Howard Roark and Dominique Francon is unusual. These are two generally not likable people. Even the event that begins their relationship is what most would consider morally wrong. It doesn't seem to be personality that brings these two together. It's more about an attainment of an ideal.

The Fountainhead is a classic read that also serves as a philosophical and political commentary. Those who have read, Atlas Shrugged, will find similarities in this book.  While it takes a while to feel engaged in the story, once the pieces begin to fall together, it becomes interesting. Recommended for those who enjoy novels with a political/philosophical slant.
374058
I was a student of Ayn Rand's philosophy and a patient of Mr. Branden's several decades ago, in the early 70's. Why? Because I was trying in vain to live as Ms. Rand said we should: as heroic figures every day, perfect in our morals, that we should aspire to be as perfect as the impossibly perfect,cold, robotic main characters of her novels, The Fountainhead and Atlas Shugged. The only book of hers I read several times was We The Living as the characters were most like flesh and blood and real.

While I was going to Group at Mr. Branden's house I had no idea that he'd had an affair with Ayn Rand as it was apparently known only to some insiders I'd guess. Had I known, I would have immediately ended the relationship. As it was he was totally ineffectual as a therapist, barely able to stay awake while we spoke, and like comic shrinks in movies, lets you answer your own questions when you're paying HIM to! Years later, 15 free minutes with Dr. Laura on the radio fixed the problem I had (guilt over the death of a family member.)

 The upside of all this:I did know Patrecia who was changed to another fictional woman in the movie. She was a Goddess. All the men loved her, all  the women wanted to BE her. She was the essence of joy and life and she died way too young....slight epilepsy that was caused by strobing sunlight dancing off the pool whereupon she had a seizure and fell into the water, drowning.

Now I see that the high moral standards we underlings were supposed to uphold were completely tossed out the window by Ms. Rand and Mr. Branden. Barbara Brandon's book also reported that Ms. Rand was often under the influence of some seriously strong amphetamines and I'm sure if she saw I had done the same thing , she'd have blasted me for not having the moral courage to go through life without artificial courage.

I admire Ms. Rand for her works and her diligent fight against Communism (she is reeling in her grave at where our country stands now!), but it turned out to be do as I say, not as I do. I wasted a lot of years trying to be what she thought we should all aspire to. We can't. It's an impossibility. We are human, with human frailties which she and Nathaniel obviously both succumbed to. You just can't change Nature, which Ayn hated because she only loved that which was man-made. You can take some of this philosophy, but toss out what isn't right for you, otherwise you're a round peg in a very tight, painful square hole.

I believe this movie was a hatchet job to discredit her as she  always stated:

"The best way to destroy greatness is to celebrate the mediocre." Or words to that affect.

Just look at who eats up all the news 7 days a week: Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Lindsey, Anna-Nicole, etc, ad nauseum!

Atlas Shrugged is rumored to be in the works with Angelina Jolie, but don't hold your breath.
2233299
I really enjoyed both this book and Atlas Shrugged.  I did enjoy Atlas Shrugged a little more.  The message was similar and the rebellion from the status quo was completely different.  There was a bit of sexual tension in this book like Atlas Shrugged.  I still could not put it down and wanted to continue reading for a long time.  The characters were interesting, the story was nicely done and the ending was great.  Recommend to anyone who can read Ann Rand's writings.
117616
you may look no further than her book, Atlas Shrugged.  Rand goes into great detail, vis-a-vis a speech integrated within the storyline, of her thoughts and ideas on objectivism and its applications to society.

While I found the book more difficult to read than The Fountainhead [as her philosophical theory and application were more textbook], it was a book worth reading.  If you are interested in her philosophy but would like a lighter version, I would suggest reading The Fountainhead first.  Then, if you would like to know more, you can read her manifesto, but brace yourself for the strong opinions.

Ironically enough, her novel is a redemptive story despite the fact she is a self-proclaimed atheist.  Her characters are well-developed. In fact, you will find that she so well defines the characters' nature in this book, you'll point at Hank Rearden and say: Well, he is just like John, my partner, or Cheryl Brooks, is like my starry-eyed administrative assistant. The plot is well-crafted, but sluggish in some places due to her mini-lectures.  It is also the source for many notable quotes, the best quote being: Contradictions do not exist. Whenever you think you are facing a contradiction, check your premises.  You will find one of them is wrong.

Although I disagree with her philosophy, she does hit on some high points that have caused some difficulties in free enterprise in this country, namely entitlements, governmental controls and sanctions that affect grassroots industrial and manufacturing concerns.  Her solution, which I will not divulge, while interesting in theory, is not facing the reality of the world and is a bit self-endulgent.

Only undertake this mega-novel when you have your thinking cap set straight, have patience to withstand a few lectures scattered about that seem to be overly repetitious, and the fact that it is an ambitious 1,150 pages.
1511811
Ayn Rand has the uncanny ability to bring to life heroes of epic proportions.  In The Fountainhead her theme is the role of an independant mind in shaping one's life as opposed to living as a second-hander who conforms to the mob and acts selflessly.  Through the progression of the hero's career, Rand demonstrates the practicallity of principled action based on self-interest.  It is amazing how simple this idea is yet even more amazing how few people have fully appreciated its power.
If you have never read Rand, this is a good book to start with.  take your time and enjoy it, and when you are done get Atlas Shrugged as soon as you can.  Then prepare yourself to really start living!
1859000
Gaaaa!  Only, if the price fell within the range that even a gainfully employed person could afford.  It's textbook piracy, which I hope can be remedied soon.  Even the Kindle edition...  I am impressed with two things from this author:  using Ayn Rand as a primary source, clearly distinguishing her views from that of her followers (and enemies); going back to roots of philosophy and history to see what she really was trying to do, and sometimes seeing through her vocabulary, mode of presentation and definitions to see what she really meant.  And, to cap it off, going back to the City of God as comparison, and catching on her admiration of some religious figures, despite disdaining most, and drawing equivalence to altruistic Communism.  And the best part, while soon to be Dr. Byrd might make errors, they're not weird ones based on making up facts or strange speculations.  It appears to be high brow, sincere and well-referenced, but honestly critical.  It's the best that anyone can do without actually having known Ayn Rand in person, which would have been impossible had she known she was talking to a dedicated Christian.  It's on my list.
2301202
For veterans of Ayn Rand's more lengthy works like Foutnainhead and Atlas Shrugged, Anthem is sort "bunny hill" which provides an easy reading version for those wishing a quick entre into her objectivist philosophy.

For newcomers to Ayn Rand, this book is a story of dystopian future, not unlike George Orwell's 1984, but perhaps even more compelling because of its sylized presentation.

For all readers, the story of Anthem is the story of the individual's significance apart from what he can do for others.

In 1937 -- when this book was written -- the verdict was still out on whether history would side with the individual in the form countries like the United States or Great Britain or whether it would side with the so called rule of the masses in the form of Communist countries like the Soviet Union or fascist countries like Nazi Germany.

For Ayn Rand, the problem was a decided personal one.  Having been born and raised in Russia, she lived to see the brief chance of parliamentary democracy be overtaken by the boot of Communist dictatorship.  In so many ways, this book shows the extreme disdain the decidedly talented Rand felt at being forced to hide the light of her gifts under the bushel of the so called greater good of the masses.

More than this being an important book is the fact that it's a good book, well written and to its points.  As a reader the writing style gives what's being conveyed a compelling immediacy and the character's an accessible closeness.  In other words, she draws you in with the lure of a good story, makes you care about her characters and in both ways makes you receptive to their (and the story's) ulitmate moral.

Though Rand would go on to retell this story in decidedly longer formats, from my perspective I think this was her best take on the objectivist message that she would continue to make for the rest of her life.

I highly therefore recommend this book.
4627364
In her self-proclaimed near-autobiography, Ayn Rand writes of the tumultuous time after Russia's fall to Soviet rule through the lives of a few individuals stuck in it.  The descriptions of daily life, the frustrations of everything from heating to food to dealing with corrupt bureaucracy, give a realism to the time period and conditions that aren't so easily conveyed in history texts.  While people tend towards caricatures, as can be typical in Rand's work, the core of humanity within them, both high and low points, clearly shine through.

It's a love story gone all wrong as Kira, the young woman who wishes to design bridges but won't ever achieve that goal under the red boot of socialism, watches the man she loves succumb to the dehumanizing effects of the system which surrounds and controls them.  Other characters, friends and relatives of the main characters give the story a great deal of depth.

This book does not fall prey to the excess wordiness that Atlas Shrugged did.  There are not redundant speeches which take up dozens of pages.  I'd not re-read this book without a box of tissues handy.  Whether or not you tend to agree with Rand, this is an excellent book which gives a deeper understanding to a particularly unique and dark period in history.
1184961
I have read all of Rand's books. They carry an even stronger message of contrast between capitalism and socialism. Apparantly Obama stops with Brave New World.
2672148
As a former student of Ayn Rand, I of course could not help but see the similarity in storyline.  Thank you for acknowledging her contribution. Aside from that and being rather techno illerate, I really enjoyed the book.
2842201
great columns by ayn rand,especially the one on Marilyn Monroe on her beautiful sence of life.
everyone shoud read it.  yaroslaw levycky