A Totalitarian World Of The Future - 1009 Words

Topic 3: â€Å"Anthem portrays a totalitarian world of the future. In contrast to other such portrayals, the world of Anthem is technologically primitive. What does this imply about the nature of science and technology and the conditions for technological progress, and how do events of the story establish that view?† DELETE THIS WHEN FINISHED Since the early ages, advancements in technology were caused by people’s curiosity in the world and its functions, resulting in the technologically advanced world we live in today. For instance, the most famous scientists of the Enlightenment of Europe has shaped the current standards of science and technology. Ayn Rand depicts a totalitarian society set in the future in her novella, Anthem. However, her†¦show more content†¦Because of this, those in the Home of the Scholars may not have the same drive to discover new things about the world like Equality. The reader sees this in the book, where the Home of the Scholars has only invented candles and glass â€Å"only a hundred years ago† (24). However, in the span of just a few months, Equality was able to perform and create the unthinkable. His love for the Science of Things brought him to his findings, and gave him the ambition to share it as well. The discovery of candles and glass did not spark motivation in the Scholars; otherwise, it would have lead to more discoveries in the period of 100 years. In order to have technological advancement, an individual must not be forced to work on projects he does not wish to work on. Rather, it takes dedication to do so. This dedication resulted in Equality’s discovery of electricity in his time period. An individual’s desire can cause him to do actions that are believed to not be possible in the given circumstances. However, Equality was able to do so. As mentioned earlier, his love for the Science of Things allowed him to perform the unthinkable. Because of this, he disobeyed the rules of his society in order to continue to do what he loved. Equality was well aware of the consequences that laid ahead if he were to get caught, but his desire for learning and science pushed him to this point of rebellion. This ties into