Review - “Anthem”

Say what you will of Ayn Rand’s philosophical ideas, especially those she worked on later in her life; but as a story, how can one not be horrified by the potential of “Anthem” and thus find relief in the awareness brought about by this short tale? As a scientist, perhaps I feel a constant need to remind every generation of the value of individuality, the pursuit of curiosity, and the freedom to think and speak differently than others. But surely if these things are of value, they necessitate protection. By examining the ways in which such things may be lost and the subsequent realties of such loss, “Anthem” serves the purpose of having tried to safeguard these precious qualities of life.