In Ayn Rand's novella Anthem, a child is conceived in the Time of Mating, a child born different, curious, unique, a child to be known by the name of Equality 7-2521. Growing up in a post-apocalyptic collectivist society, Equality was repeatedly ostracized by his teachers and friends. While writing about his time in the Home of Students, Equality talks about how he had never considered learning as a challenge, but instead, it was a thirst that was never quenched. His teachers told him to be different - superior - was to be evil, and they looked down upon that. All Equality wanted was to be normal and to please his brothers, but he had believed he was cursed. Equality had become of age to visit the Council of Vocations where he was assigned …show more content…
He ponders about how the Councils would react to his glass box and realizes "[f]or the first time [he] care[s] about [his] body" (61). Equality has found his worth in the world and wants to commit a crime which is wanting to see one’s self. Equality is starting to see himself as an individual rather than as a brotherhood; he has accomplished something by himself which drives him to discover more about the unknown and the Unmentionable Times. Equality's new primary motivation to help better himself rather than a society that didn’t accept him is right. After harnessing the power of electricity, Equality was set apart from his brothers more than before. Since he was born an outcast, with little to none compassion from anyone, his new motivation is right because he's differentiating himself from the name and number, he wants to become …show more content…
To Equality's misfortune, the Council says that his invention is evil and wants it destroyed. When told that Equality's happiness and innovation was to be destroyed he decided to run into the Uncharted Forest. Confused and lost, not knowing where he's going, Equality believes death is his only option; the Council rejected him and his ideas. Roaming the forest the Golden One approaches Equality and explains she'd rather die with him than live with her sisters. Together they find a house, there they find a mirror and both Equality and the Golden One see their bodies and faces for the first time. While with each other they become happy, Equality learns of the word "I" and reads stories of the warrior Prometheus, the one who brought the people fire. Equality's motivations drive him into a better future, with a significant other and a house. If everyone in the world was motivated in the same way no one would be original, for everyone would be the same to think