Perhaps the most profound ones are spoken by the novels protagonist, Prometheus, and Similarity 5-0306, a member of the World Council of Scholars. They discuss some of the more important ideas in the book, such as collectivism and individualism, and send a powerful message to the reader.
Throughout Anthem, Prometheus's love for light is evident. In the novel, light is a powerful symbol that stands for justice and truth. Late in the story, Prometheus claims, "The only things which taught us joy were the power we created in our wires, and the Golden One" (Rand 86). The wires he mentions are i didn't write this referring to his light bulb, his gift to the world he lives in. This is very symbolic as later he changes his name from Equality 7-2521, to Prometheus; the Greek Titan and bringer of light. He tries to bring this light into the dingy, dark city. As for Prometheus calling his forbidden lover Liberty 5-3000, the "Golden One", this is but another sign of light in the novel. Gold is a naturally bright and beautiful substance that reflects light off of every surface. The quote literally shows that he only cares for his loved one, and his search for light. On a broader perspective, this shows Ayn Rand's individualist beliefs damn of how men cannot, and will not, find the light, or happiness, in a collectivist environment. In her eyes, light shines through the gray haze of collectivism and brings out human dignity and creativity. So while Prometheus's gift of light does not help most people in the city, it does help him to comprehend how unique he really is.
The World Council of Scholars makes up one of the chief antagonists in the story. It stands for the epitome of collective control and, therefore, evil. One of the members of the council, Similarity 5-0306, states, "[M]en have no cause to exist save in toiling for other men" (74). This quote demonstrates one of the most important ideas of collectivism; that all men must not work for their own profit, but for the benefit of all the men in their community.
