Anthem

A novel about a man who lives in the dark ages of the future, in a loveless world where it takes courage to love the woman of his choice and pursue knowledge. Writing in opposition to the collectivist sentiments of modern times, Rand sought to illustrate the threats to human liberty inherent in social notions of altruism and charity, and in ANTHEM she creates a picture of an entire world sunk into barbarism through a misplaced sense of social obligation.