All About MEEEE

Ayn Rand questions what makes an individual individual in her novella "Anthem." In her fictional world, collectivism dominates. All pronouns used are collective pronouns. No me, we. No him/her, them. While confusing at first, it makes sense. Collectivism robs an individual of his/ her personality. Which begs the question, are we robbed of our personality? Think about it; everything you love someone has already told you about. A favorite TV show, band, book, etc. You did not create it- someone else did and someone else told you "Oh, you'll like it!" Fight me on this all you want, you are not who you think you are. You are not an individual, you are a person made up of all the people you let into your life. And this is a fantastic thing. This means that you value these people so much that you let them become a part of you, and you in turn become a part of them. Isn't this collectivism? Borderline. But it is collectivism by choice, not by mandate. And I think it is great that your characteristics are shaped by those you admire most.