[DoctorMichael]

................. the plot in Ayn Rand's Anthem, involves a society where use of the word "I" is totally banned.

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Interesting, but is Ayn Rand's original starting point for HER philosophy the contrapositive of Descartes?

Descartes = I think, therefore I am.

Ayn Rand = I am, therefore I think.

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[thinktwice]

is Ayn Rand's original starting point for HER philosophy the contrapositive of Descartes?

The metaphysical basis (the first source of knowledge, or starting point) for Ayn Rand's Objectivism is reality.

And, I see no disagreement between Rand and Descartes in the "I think, therefore I exist" department.