Disobedience is the catalyst of social progress; conformity is the hindrance of social

progress. Wilde believe that through disobedience society is able to progress in the right

direction. In rebelling against the status quo, we are able to produce positive changes to improve

our society as a whole. This progress has been shown through the course of time in history as

well as literature.

In history, there have been countless rebellions, revolts, and revolutions that have

resulted in a country’s progress. The Haitian revolution of the 19 th century possess good

examples of change being brought about through disobedience. By the 1700’s, Haiti had become

a lucrative island in the Caribbean, producing (generating) substantial amounts (supplies) of

sugar on …show more content…
Toussaint L’Ouverture was able to create an independent nation through his efforts, while

Equality 7-2521, in the novel Anthem, was not successful to such an extent, still, he was able to

promote social progress in separating from the status quo. The novel Anthem by Ayn Rand

highlights the recalcitrance of Equality 7-2521, who commits many transgressions in pursuing

his desires. His distinct personality put him in dangerous situations for unlike most, he craved the

power of knowledge. Knowledge of the past, knowledge (of the scientific wonders) of the world,

knowledge of the way things work. The society in which Equality 7-2521 resides is a dystopia, in

which the leaders have rid the world of all works or advances of the Unmentionable Times,

therefore all the residents of the society live with few technological advances. For example, in

Equality 7-2521’s home, the invention of electricity is unknown, rather, they use candles. Much

of the basic knowledge of the world is concealed from the citizens of the society. Moreover, the

civilians of the city are described as a whole for the idea of individuality is