Aside from very rare exceptions, there is literally no opposition to the leaders in this society. Why is this? What ideas must the people in this society have accepted to live a life of obedience, drudgery and fear?
It could be anticipated f rom the beginning of Ayn Rands novella Anthem t hat virtually all modes of individuality we take for granted today are, in the words of Equality 7-2521, a sin in the society he lives in. Not only are rather subconscious decisions and feelings such as preference and superiority considered great crimes, but the mere act of “thinking or doing alone” is almost entirely abolished. It can be seen that the majority of citizens accept this way of life with little to no resistance, despite the fact that it essentially…show more content… Instead, those individuals who are most tyrannical and ill suited for leadership end up on top, while others who are creative, driven, kind, and unique are pushed down among the masses, all in the name of equality. For the only ones capable of leading a society where everybody is forced to conform must possess a truly powerful capability for inspiring fear. The form of “equality” presented in Anthem can be seen as rather perverse, where growing taller than six feet or excelling in school is frowned upon. When Equality comes to the…show more content… In every aspect of these people’s lives, communities are held as the forefront of happiness, importance, even sanity. A motto that can be said to illustrate the views of the general public in Equality's society, cut in to the marble of the portals to the Palace of the World Council, " We are one in all and all in one. There are no men but only the great WE, one, indivisible and forever." This attitude is created through a powerful combination of propaganda, systematic conditioning, and fear.
At only five years of age, Equality 7-2521 and his brothers must recite the proverb-like statement: “ We are nothing. Mankind is all. By the grace of our brothers we are allowed our lives. We exist through, by, and for our brothers who are the State. Amen.” ( p. 21). Rituals and activities of this nature continue throughout their lives. The leaders of this society have achieved such extensive collectivistic ideals among the masses, that the word “I” does not even exist anymore. Indoctrination and corresponding propaganda