The Role Of Technology In Ayn Rand's Anthem

In a world where people are unable to choose their life paths, Equality 7-2521 is alone. The psychological awareness of what happens around him sets him apart from others, even more so when he “invents” the light. But did Equality truly “create” electric light, or are these inventions shielded in secrecy from the whole of society? The denouncement of such inventions in the totalitarian society of Anthem oppresses the great minds of all of those that live within it- So, technology truly has not advanced within this society since the Great Rebirth in the world of “true equality”, created by Ayn Rand. There is a significant relationship between the society that is portrayed in Anthem and the society of Anthem. The iron fist that clamps down on both of the societies restricts their creative thinking and forces them to act in a way that pleases their “leaders”. In an article by Scott Bruce, the

The government officials of North Korea control every little thing that their citizens hear or learn. They even shut off the electricity throughout the country at a specific time every night. Similarly to the situation in North Korea, students in the Home of the Students are taught what the Council wants them to be taught, like, “that the earth is flat and the sun revolves around it” (23). This knowledge may intimidate the citizens of Anthem because of the lack of knowledge about the world they live in, so no revolts happen or anything of the sort. There are events described within Anthem that exemplify that technological advancement is not only controlled by the government, but it is limited by the government. In the beginning of chapter III of Anthem, Equality explains how he has been experimenting in his cave, “We know not what this power is