In the book Anthem, by Ayn Rand, the people are brainwashed since birth in order to input the idea of collectivism. They do this to such an extent that even criminals do not try to escape jail. The prisoners do not try to break out because of the collectivist ideas that are engraved in their minds.
First of all, the people in this society do not have the determination or even the confidence to flee. The people there are said to be “born with a curse” and “are evil”(Rand 18). They have been raised in a way that shuns new ideas and creativity. They are even taught that being themselves is completely unacceptable. Throughout their life they have learned that they “are nothing. Mankind is all” (Rand 21). They live for each other and are always thinking of how to please others. It is because of this that they never experience true happiness. Suffering so much that they would not even care enough to escape.
Secondly, the people of this society did not know that there was even a possibility of leaving. They had been taught of an “uncharted forest” in which they were even taught to “not think [of]” (Rand 30). They had been taught that the uncharted forest was deadly and that they were never to go in it. That the forest was incredibly dangerous and that the city was the only safe place in the area. So from the people’s understanding, even if they did try to escape there would be nowhere for them to go. Moreover ,in this society, one a person turns fifteen they are assigned “what their work is to be for the rest of their days”(Rand 24). These people are supposed to carry out this work that has been assigned to them for the rest of their life, whether they like it or not. It is up to the council to decide if the people are going to continue on their learning path in the house of scholars, or if they are to begin working in some other career. If they are not assigned to the house of scholars than they most likely will not know how simple escaping could be. They would overcomplicate every little part because they do not have the basic knowledge of most things. They would not know how to operate the locking mechanisms on the door or even how to break out.
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Finally, because of this society’s obsession on everybody helping each other, the prisoners would not even think of making an escape. They have always been taught that “the will of” their “brothers” (Rand 25) is of the utmost importance. That what they want and their own input has no meaning due to how they are all supposed to be the exact same. They would be so wrapped up in all the ways that they could benefit their neighbors that they would not ever imagine causing so much chaos to others. Furthermore, they are taught that “men have no cause to exist save in toiling for other men”(Rand 74), that without serving others, people have no reason to live. It is because of this belief in collectivism that the people would not break out. It would be an act that causes issues to their brotherhood and therefore no one would commit such a crime.
In this society created by Ayn Rand the people are so set on collectivism that even prisoners do not try to leave. Even if they were to even consider attempting an escape, they would be terrified by the possible consequences that they would never follow through.
