Individualism, Modern Capitalism, and Dystopian Visions
Question 7 • ELA 11B-CR
Read the excerpt from Anthem.It is my eyes which see, and the sight of my eyes grants beauty to the earth. It is my ears which hear, and the hearing of my ears gives its song to the world. It is my mind which thinks, and the judgment of my mind is the only searchlight that can find the truth. How does the excerpt reflect Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism?
Answer
A
It reinforces the concept that man’s responsibility is to create his own reality.
B
It supports the idea that man is truly in control of his own thoughts and actions.
C
It supports the belief that man is controlled by the environment and society.
D
It reinforces the notion that man views himself based on how others view him.
Explanation
The speaker emphasizes “my eyes,” “my ears,” and “my mind,” showing that the individual perceives and judges the world through his own faculties. This reflects Objectivism’s focus on reason and individual agency: a person can direct his own thinking rather than being controlled by society. Choice B, that man is in control of his own thoughts and actions, best fits. The excerpt does not say that people create reality itself, as choice A suggests.
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