Throughout history, authors have teased their readers with ideas of what the future might bring. Often these stories are full of new technologies and fascinating theories, but sometimes the opposite is true. In the situation where society has taken a step backwards, there must be a character who gives a boost to civilization. In the short story Anthem, by Ayn Rand, society is linked to collectivism, where everyone relies on each other to live and learn; but the protagonist, Equality 7-2521, manages to free himself from the fear of independence and move towards individualism. Throughout the story, Equality discovers the freedom he can bring. Then he realizes that his mind is the door to truth, not society. Finally, Equality recognizes itself as different from the rest of the population. These steps toward individualism are perfectly embodied by three quotes that Rand incorporates into her story. The beginning of the story opens with Equality being chastised for being too tall and too smart. He noted that “to be free, a man must be free from his brothers” (Rand 101). This quote shows that when society controls him and he relies on everyone else, lack of progress is inevitable. Higher powers also control their city with aggressive force; the Council of Vocations assigns Uguaglianza the role of street cleaner even though he would like to be a scholar. Out of curiosity, he finds a tunnel while on duty. He begins to write about himself, even though “it is a shame to think words that others cannot see” (Rand 1). Having no obligations to others allows one to work towards one's goals, Equality is able to overcome his previous instinct that “all men are one” (Rand 20). With the revelation of himself as a separate individual......middle of paper......and independent of the grips of the old life. In conclusion, it is demonstrated that Equality 7-2521 makes its journey from a prisoner of collectivism and extreme social dependence to an exclusive freedom. Ayn Rand portrays a society that is afraid of change, rebellion, and the idea of ​​any singularity. Equality first frees oneself from the chains of his brothers, allowing him to be an individual. He later discovers that he, as a person, can judge the truth, others change the truth the way they want you to understand it. Finally, the reflection of himself in a stream shows Equality that he is not only mentally, but physically different from what appears to be a formless society. Ayn Rand conveys the theme of individualism through the ego development of Equality, is able to find the importance of oneself and help society improve itself for years to come.