In America we have rights and freedoms as an individual, but what if we had to all work for the common good and be useful to each other. That might not sound bad, but imagine not acknowledging your own need, gains or desires. What is your incentive to do better in life, or anything at all? Altruism is something people hope for, but you can't gain it unless the whole world wants to give themselves unconditionally. Is altruism the same as communism? To be able to work as a unit, everyone must be completely selfless, and it's truthfully not part of human nature. Humans like to work for their own gain and acquire contentment. There are many similarities and differences between "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. and Anthem by Ayn Rand.

In the two pieces of literature, both societies strive for equality among the people. "We strive...