anthem  anthem is a dystopian science fiction novella by ayn rand. mankind has entered a new dark age as a result of the evils of irrationality and collectivism and the weaknesses of socialistic thinking and economics. individuality and ambition have become sins. technological advancement is now carefully planned (when it is allowed to occur at all). here is the story of one man willing to risk everything to rebel against a society that refuses to believe in the power or rights of the individual.