Why is mentioning "ego" the only death penalty crime in "Anthem" by Ayn Rand?

Question

And what could the rediscovery of this word possibly lead to in the society of "Anthem". I never really understood this.

Answer 1

While reading books from the house's library, Equality and Liberty discover that the Unspeakable Word, the one that carries the penalty of death, is "I." Recognizing its sacred value and the individuality it expresses, they give themselves new names from the books: Equality becomes Prometheus, and Liberty becomes Gaea. As the book closes, Prometheus talks about the past, wonders how men could give up their individuality, and charts a future in which they will regain it.

The last word of the book, Ego is inscribed by Equality on a rock. Whilst some are confused why he hadn't rather written "I" on the rock instead, it is conceivable that "Ego", being the Latin word meaning "I", was written by Rand who perhaps wanted the ancient Latin root of the word "I" to be dictated instead.