Many words in all languages have two meanings - the denotative and connotative. Over time, the denotation of a word will stay fairly constant. The connotation of a word, however, can change as quickly as in several decades. Today, the denotation of "egoist" is "One devoted to one's own interests and advancement; an egocentric person" (www.dictionary.com). Prometheus, the main character in Ayn Rand's Anthem, simply wanted to think of himself for a moment. Denotatively, Prometheus is an egoist. When connotation is substituted into the equation, a different view is realized.

Today's society has defined an egoist to be someone who does not care about anyone but himself - someone who never thinks of the great We and generally looks down upon him. However, society would also not accept an extreme collectivist. For example, Americans have generally feared communists, a milder form of Rand's collective society of...