In Ayn Rand's famous hymn, or in some circles, the infamous, the anthem of history, the various ideologies of objectivism and collectivism are opposed. With Objectivism being so close-knit and different from the society described in the book, it seems like it would be almost impossible to truly follow it in its entirety. However, Anthem, as a whole, does not violate the ideals of Rand's philosophy of Objectivism. At the beginning of the short story, the reader is introduced to a collectivist society that rose after an era dubbed the "unspeakable times" where it was assumed that there was great destruction that caused fear of a new society. This society rejects individual ideals, differences, choices and solitude. This society is supposed to be portrayed as unfriendly to people from countries where differences and talents are celebrated and encouraged, such as the United States. This does not correspond to objectivism, and in fact it is quite the opposite. The use of this type of society in the book is just a tool to show how Objectivism is much better than collectivism. It aims to show the problems of this type of ideology, such as a boring lifestyle, lack of choices and insufficient technology and progress. This society is presented as weaker and inferior to an individual, while Equality, who is slowly gaining a sense of individuality, has progressed beyond them at a much faster rate. This is seen in the way they light up their respective worlds. While society as a whole uses candles, which are primitive, provide a small amount of light, and have open, fragile flames, the light discovered by Equality is stronger. It can be made brighter, cleaner and won't go out with a blast of air. Electric light is also a symbol for equality itself. He is stronger and bigger...... middle of paper ...... as he wants. By example, he also shows the townspeople that they too have a choice, whether they want to follow him or reject his ideals in favor of their collective ideals. Equality doesn't help anyone unless they want to be helped. It simply gives them something they never received, a fundamental right to make their own decisions about what is best for them in their own minds. Giving people a chance to choose for themselves what they really want is what objectivism is all about. Ayn Rand wrote Anthem as a critique of communism, while demonstrating her own belief system about individual ideals. Objectivism was rightly shown throughout the short story with the thoughts and actions of the main characters, equality and freedom contrasted with the universal thinking of the city and society. Rand clearly showed his philosophy in this story.