How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
We knew we had been guilty, but now we had a way to atone for it. We would accept our Life Mandate, and we would work for our brothers, gladly and willingly, and we would erase our sin against them, which they did not know, but we knew. (1.30)
When we meet Equality 7-2521 at the beginning of Anthem, he feels guilty about wanting anything for himself, including a career. He feels guilty about having a life of his own, in fact, because his society has taught him to feel guilty about being an individual. He thinks that what's good – and what will make happy – is obeying society and serving it. As a result, he half-convinces himself that being made a Street Sweeper for life is something to be happy about. Is he actually happy?
Quote #2
We cannot look upon International 4-8818 4-8818 and not smile in answer. For this they were not liked in the Home of the Students, as it is not proper to smile without reason. (1.36)
International 4-8818 is apparently a naturally happy person, who's capable of spreading that happiness to others. But society is apparently so tightly controlled that one isn't even allowed to be smile "without reason." If the people in society were actually happy, and if society genuinely wanted them to be happy, why would they worry about people smiling? Perhaps because, although everyone is supposed to be happy, no one is supposed to be happier than others, and whenever an individual is happier, that's always a danger. So no individual is supposed to be happier than any other, but everyone's supposed to be happy.
Quote #3
And yet there is no shame in us and no regret. We say to ourselves that we are a wretch and a traitor. But we feel no burden upon our spirit and no fear in our heart. And it seems to us that our spirit is clear as a lake troubled by no eyes save those of the sun. And in our heart -- strange are the ways of evil! -- in our heart there is the first peace we have known in twenty years. (1.70)
Equality 7-2521 is surprised to discover that he feels happy when he's alone and doing what only he wants to do. He feels guilty about this, but he can't deny it makes him happy. Part of that happiness is a sense of peace.