anthem

What is my joy if all hands, even the unclean, can reach into it?
What is my wisdom, if even the fools can dictate to me? What is
my freedom, if all creatures, even the botched and the impotent, are
my masters? What is my life, if I am but to bow, to agree, and to
obey?

But I am done with this creed of corruption.

I am done with the monster of "We," the word of serfdom, of
plunder, of misery, falsehood and shame.

And now I see the face of god, and I raise this god over the
earth, this god whom men have sought since men came into being,
this god who will grant them joy and peace and pride.

This god, this one word:

"I."

Ayn Rand, Anthem