I stand here on the summit of the mountain. I lift my head and I spread my arms. This, my body and spirit, this is the end of the quest. I wished to know the meaning of things. I am the meaning. I wished to find a warrant for being. I need no warrant for being, and no word of sanction upon my being. I am the warrant and the sanction.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. It is my will which chooses, and the choice of my will is the only edict I must respect.Many words have been granted me, and some are wise, and some are false, but only three are holy: "I will it! (Chapter 11, paragraph 4)
Quote Analysis
This chant liberates a person from the external influence. It is extremely important. Not only it declares one’s value and vividly depicts a person as a great being, able in body and spirit. Not only it is a meditation on self, in the healthiest way possible, the denial of any narcissist intentions in pure love for oneself. It is also a declaration of freedom from any social expectations, any usage from the side of the others. A person separates themselves from any rules of the society, leaving only themselves, their wishes, their natural curiosity.
They reject the need to satisfy the demands and expectations of the others and also admit that no one exists to satisfy their own demands and expectations. The person declares themselves as a unique and separate being, worthy to live at their best and have everything their soul wishes - but not to rule the others. It is made to integrate back to the society, with respect and understanding that people around them are no less unique, powerful and beautiful beings.
The main goal of the Anthem isn’t to reinvent the concept of Ubermensch, but to be spread among the people, creating the society of independent and strong people, benevolent just by their nature and valuing each other not because of the moral norms, but as their own free choice to create the better future together. Ayn Rand has a deep faith in humanity, believing that everyone is able to accept the idea of the Anthem and integrate it into their worldview, though opening the way to the constant improving and perfection.
Author: Hector Ramos