Anthem by Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand’s novella Anthem begins with Equality 7-2521, or as he is later known Prometheus, stating, “It is a sin to write this. It is a sin to think words no others think and to put them down upon a paper no others are to see…and we know that there is no transgression blacker than to do or think alone” (17). Prometheus lives in what is known as a totalitarian society. In many totalitarian societies, the ability to express oneself is often forbidden and suppressed. This novella contains a society which represents extreme totalitarianism. The rulers of the society, have managed to convince the citizens that selflessness, as well as worship of the word “we”, is the only way to live.

In this society, one does not think, speak, or act, in a way that is beneficial for oneself. Every single citizen is indoctrinated with the belief that by acting for one’s own benefit, they are sinning. From a young age, they are taught the mantra of their society, “We are nothing. Mankind is all. By the grace of our brothers are we allowed our lives. We exist through, by and for our brothers who are the State. Amen” (21).

From the beginning of his life, Prometheus was different from his brothers. He recalls living in the Home of the Infants, and fighting with his brothers, a transgression which was repeated so often, that out of all the children of his year, he was locked in the cellar the most. During the time period in which he lived in the Home of the Students, he was constantly chastised, demoralized, and ostracized for his ability to comprehend things faster than those of his brothers. He was told by his teachers that it “…is a great sin, to be born with a head which is too quick. It is not good to be different from our brothers, but it is evil to...

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...the Council of Scholars ridicule and mock him, the Unmentionable Times and Unspeakable Word constantly plague his thoughts. When he and Liberty 5-3000, discover the house in the woods, he later discovers that the Unspeakable Word, was the word “I.” His joy at discovering the word was cut short when he realized that the impudent behavior of his so-called brothers, led to the loss of a word, which showed individuality, and allowed someone to characterize themselves and decide who they could become.

In summation, Prometheus’ society believes that the “best in him”, his internal curiosity, is a sin, as it makes him different from his brothers. In actuality, his curiosity allows him to see that his totalitarian society has regressed and in doing so, they have lost the ability to give their citizens an independent identity, which could be used to benefit the society.