Anthem

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

1250

Title

Anthem

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In a dystopian society where individuality is forbidden and the collective "We" rules all, Equality 7-2521 discovers a hidden underground laboratory. Forbidden to think alone, he secretly studies science and technology, eventually uncovering the lost achievements of the past. His journey leads him to a hidden house from the "Unmentionable Times," where he embraces the power of the self, rejects the oppressive word "We," and vows to build a new world based on the sacred word "I."

Summary up to 500 words

Set in a dystopian future where humanity has regressed to a primitive, collective existence, Ayn Rand's *Anthem* follows Equality 7-2521, a Street Sweeper born with the "curse" of intelligence and a desire to think alone. In this society, the word "I" is forbidden, and the collective "We" is the only permitted identity. Equality is punished for his individuality, denied the honor of becoming a Leader or Scholar, and relegated to menial labor. Despite his fear and guilt, his curiosity drives him to steal candles, tools, and manuscripts to study in secret. He discovers a hidden tunnel beneath the City Theatre, a relic of a forgotten past, where he spends hours alone conducting experiments and inventing new technologies. There, he befriends International 4-8818, a fellow Street Sweeper who shares his forbidden knowledge. Over two years, Equality's scientific prowess grows, solving mysteries the Scholars cannot. Eventually, they decide to leave the City to escape persecution. They traverse mountains and forests, finding a hidden house left by the ancients. Inside, they discover books, electricity, and the word "I." Reading these texts, Equality realizes that his "curse" was actually a gift and that the collective "We" is a monster that enslaves men. He renames himself Prometheus and gives his companion the name Gaea. He resolves to raise a child who will know only the word "I," to rebuild the lost sciences, and to lead a revolution against the enslaving collective. The narrative concludes with Equality's declaration that freedom is the right of every man to exist for his own sake, and his vow to break the chains of the past to create a new history for mankind. The story serves as a powerful allegory for the dangers of collectivism and the essential nature of individualism.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Local file path

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Categories

• Romance
• Philosophy
• Science Fiction
• Psychological fiction