Self in Anthem

In Anthem, "Self" doesn't exist. There is no "I" or "me" there is only "we" and "us". The worth of a human is measured by their ability to follow what society wants and do nothing for their own interest of pleasure. It denies them preference and preference is self. You distinguish yourself from others by, on a most basic level, your likes and dislikes. Your passions and talents and decisions to live a life tailored to those passions and talents make up who you are. Without those things everyone is the same and this Equality 7-2521's world. He commits many transgressions of preference. He is smart and desires to know and loves and want to be a scholar. All of that is his expression of himself, deep-seeded in his nature and independent of society. His society did everything it could to quash that but it still exists in him and it exists in all even those most are too scared to admit it even to themselves. I love history and the Beatles and music and film and helping other people and I play piano and get good grades and play softball and I love the idea that the work of once can benefit all. That is who I am. Those are my talents, interests and passions. That is my "self."