In a society without individuals, a young man resides in a place where the concept of “I” holds no significance.
In this place, one’s focus is on serving others, even though individual significance is disregarded. Equality 7-2521 grew up learning that the self lacks importance. He resides in a chaotic society that solely practices collectivism as its governing system. At 21 years old, Equality experiences a complete absence of freedom.
In this society, being six feet tall is seen as evil, so a strong and tall young man like him is deemed undesirable. Consequently, his dream of attending the House of Scholars remains unfulfilled, and he is assigned to the House of Street Sweepers. At this new place, the regulations are exceedingly stringent.
Equality faces several hardships in this mixed up society, including not being allowed to laugh or sing. As he navigates through life, his troubles gradually escalate until he finally takes action. Throughout it all, Equality believes he cannot achieve anything.
Over time, he realizes his independence and individuality as he discovers various abilities and capabilities. The moment he encounters a light while in the tunnel boosts his self-assurance and belief in his own capabilities. Additionally, falling in love with Liberty and viewing his reflection in the pond reinforce his sense of being a resilient individual.
Equality becomes aware of his past sins as he matures. He believes that by presenting his invention to the House of Scholars, he can seek forgiveness for his transgressions. His goal is to share his invention with society and gain entry into the House of Scholars, while also challenging the notion that height is synonymous with evil.
He believes he has committed a sin by withholding his whereabouts and being sent to the Palace of Corrective Detention. He seeks forgiveness for this transgression. Despite the illegal nature of entering the tunnel, he is convinced that he will uncover beneficial insights for his society. Equality makes a final attempt to gain acceptance from the House of Scholars.
Knowing the time and location of the meeting, he plots his escape from the Palace of Corrective Detention. Determined, he heads towards the gathering of the Council of Scholars, whereupon they gaze at him in disbelief. Initially apprehensive, the members are unsure of what Equality intends to share with them.
After discovering Equality’s revelation, the Council members become greatly offended by the implication that their intelligence was being undermined by a lowly street sweeper. Upon learning of the rejection of his idea, Equality impulsively jumps out of a window and flees to the dangerous Uncharted Forest, where survival is unheard of. In this perilous place, he soon discovers that Liberty has followed him. Together, they stumble upon an abandoned house.
As they enter, they come across unfamiliar things – garments, a bedroom with twin beds, and most surprisingly, a mirror. The reflection in the mirror brings about a deep understanding: they exist as an individual. It is at this precise moment that the word “I,” which had merely been encountered in ancient texts, takes on great significance.
He acknowledges that his existence is independent of others and embraces his individuality, asserting control over his own fate. Inspired by the Greek God Promethus, who brought enlightenment to humanity during the 600s, he decides to adopt the name as a symbol of his admiration for Promethus and their shared experiences of suffering.
Liberty underwent a name change as well. Gaea, the name given to her by Equality, was inspired by the Greek Goddess who was revered as the mother of earth and all the Gods. Gaea subsequently becomes pregnant, leading both of them to resolve to nurture their child as an autonomous being and shield it from the adversities that they had previously endured in the deranged society of Collectivism. For Equality, it becomes a personal obligation to rescue the remaining companions he had abandoned.
He believes that those who suffer under oppression deserve the same freedom he now enjoys. Equality’s plan is to rescue all individuals who still possess a fighting spirit and are oppressed by their fellow brethren. He aims to bring his companions to his stronghold and create a fresh start, where the oppressive notion of “we” will no longer hold any significance.
