Anthem Theme of Happiness

According to Ayn Rand, individual happiness is the highest good in life. No individual has any higher – or more moral – reason for living than their own happiness. The plot of Anthem follows the main character, Equality 7-2521, as he gradually comes to this realization. To do so, however, he must liberate himself from the influences of his collectivist society. That society teaches all of its members that there is no reason for living, and no way to be happy besides toiling for one's fellow men. Equality 7-2521 originally believes in this himself. But as he (illegally) falls in love with a woman and (illegally) starts to pursue his own real passion (science) in secret, he discovers happiness. He comes to recognize that he is only happy when he acts for himself, and no one else.

1. What does Equality 7-2521 think makes him happy at the beginning of Anthem? What are the things that actually make him happy?
2. Is Equality 7-2521 ever genuinely happy before he meets Liberty 5-3000? What makes you think so?
3. What is the attitude Equality 7-2521's society takes toward happiness? Does it value the happiness of individuals? Of the community?
4. Is his own happiness Equality 7-2521's only goal in life? Is it his primary goal? Why?

In spite of what he says, Equality 7-2521's actions show that personal happiness is not his primary goal.

The society in Anthem has an incoherent understanding of happiness.