aynrand.org/impact Volume 19, Number 10, October 2013

Anthem the Play: Meet This Year’s Essay Contest Winners Interview with Jeff Britting very year, ARI distributes $100,000 in scholar- Ms. Anderson’s favorite part of is when his year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary E ships to its essay contest winners, finalists and Equality7-2521 unveils his invented lightbulb to the T of the first publication of ’s novella, semifinalists. In celebration of one of ARI’s longest- Council of Scholars. “It’s the turning point of the Anthem. Throughout the year, Impact will mark this running programs, Impact proudly introduces this book, in a way; it’s the point at which he realizes important milestone with a series of articles and fea- year’s winners of the Anthem, We the Living and The his true motivation and becomes aware that he is tures. In this installment, Impact sits down with Jeff Fountainhead essay contests. The winning essays an individual,” she said. When asked if she plans Britting, curator of the Ayn Rand Archives, whose the- passed through multiple rounds of judging before to continue learning about Ayn Rand’s ideas, Ms. atrical adaptation of Anthem for Austin Shakespeare being selected from the thousands of entries. You Anderson replied that she intends to read The Foun- opened September 25 in New York City. can read the winning essays at aynrandnovels.org/ tainhead next. “[The essay contests are] a fantastic If you will be in the New York City area before essay-contests/winners.html. way to motivate students to read Ayn Rand’s novels, December 1, 2013, and wish to attend a showing of analyze them, and recognize their relevancy in the Anthem, visit anthemtheplay.com to purchase tickets world today.” and view performance schedules. Anthem Winner Elizabeth Anderson, from Fort Impact: How has your experi- Worth, Texas, first read Anthem We the Living Winner ence as curator of the Ayn Rand as an extra credit assignment Caitlin Quinn, from San Anto- Archives helped you in creating for English class. Shortly after- nio, Texas, discovered ARI’s this adaptation? ward, she found out online about essay contests after reading, Jeff Britting: Adapting a work ARI’s essay contests while and loving, Anthem on recom- from one medium to another searching for scholarships. “I mendation from a friend. While is tricky. What works in one decided to enter the contest since searching the Internet for more art form does not necessarily I had recently read Anthem and information regarding Objec- work in another. What helped found it very meaningful and relevant. I wanted to tivism, she came across ARI’s was understanding Ayn Rand’s novel—and what it challenge myself, and the challenge of digging deeper essay contests. As to why she meant to her personally. I’ve studied her papers for into Anthem seemed like a great opportunity,” she decided to enter the contest, Ms. Quinn said, “I nearly twenty years—first as a documentary film- explained. “The contest has allowed me to gain found We the Living fascinating and important, maker, then as archivist—and now as curator. So valuable writing experience and has encouraged me and I knew that entering the contest would help me when I began adapting Anthem for the stage, I could to continue writing. I’m extremely grateful for the understand on a deeper level and extract draw not only from the text of the work, but also from opportunity and am absolutely thrilled about win- as much meaning as possible from the novel.” Her the insights I’ve gained of Rand through my archival ning!” She plans to spend some of her prize money essay answered the prompt “What does Kira mean research. on a new computer and to save the rest for college. continued on page 2 Impact: What were some of the challenges you faced in creating this adaptation? JB: The main challenge was dramatizing Rand’s story in another medium while keeping her characters and ideas intact. What do you save? What do you edit and alter? And what do you introduce? I reviewed the early drafts of the novel, which was very help- ful. A lot of interesting material was removed from the final version of the book. And through an earlier staged reading, I discovered certain lines and actions cut from an early draft of the novel worked better on t is with profound sadness Dr. Gotthelf particularly valued. ARI’s Kathy Cross stage. So it made sense to reintroduce them. that the is assisting those who wish to support the Anthem Impact: Why, of all of Rand’s works, did you I and the Anthem Foundation Foundation and/or the Ayn Rand Archives by mak- choose Anthem to adapt for the theater? for Objectivist Scholarship ing a gift in Dr. Gotthelf’s memory. Contact her at continued on page 2 announce the death on August 732-242-9408 or email: [email protected]. 30 of philosopher Allan Stanley For much more about Dr. Gotthelf’s life and Gotthelf, after an extended bat- achievements, visit anthemfoundation.org. tle with cancer. Dr. Gotthelf is best known for his scholar- ship on Aristotle and on Ayn Rand, with whom he was friends. Philosopher and ARI board member , a lifelong friend, said: “Allan was a thinker, a philosopher. He not only taught philos- ophy, wrote philosophy, and read philosophy, he lived and breathed philosophy. His two heroes were Ayn Rand and Aristotle, and he made important, lasting contributions to the scholar- ship on each.” During his lifetime Dr. Gotthelf supported both the Ayn Rand Institute and the Anthem Foundation for Objectivist Scholarship. Memorial Funds in his name have been established at both Philosopher Gregory Salmieri, Dr. Gotthelf’s close friend, former student and frequent organizations. The Fund at ARI is earmarked collaborator, speaking in remembrance at the memorial service held in New York City The Times Square billboard advertising Anthem in New York City for the Ayn Rand Archives, a program that on September 7, 2013 Meet This Year’s Essay Contest Winners, continued from page 1 twelfth-grade philosophy class, but discovered the essay contest “completely by chance while browsing when she says that the USSR ‘forbids life to those and for providing the catalyst for sparking interest the Internet.” Since she was already somewhat famil- still living’?” which Ms. Quinn chose because, in in Objectivism among young people like myself.” iar with Rand, and found Rand’s ideas intriguing, her opinion, the prompt focused on the theme of the the contest was an appealing challenge. Ms. Zhang’s entire novel. “I thought that writing the essay would Winner essay answered the question “How do Keating’s and reinforce the novel’s theme as a whole for myself Alice Zhang, from Calgary, Roark’s paths to success differ? Which one in the end and allow me to utilize the entire text, as opposed Canada, chose to enter ARI’s is the real success?” Ms. Zhang was drawn to this to focusing on a specific aspect of the story,” she essay contest because, she says, prompt because she thought success was an impor- explained. “writing has always been one tant and relatable topic that encompassed many of Currently, Ms. Quinn is living in Brazil for a of my greatest passions, and the themes in The Fountainhead. year before attending college at Princeton Univer- I felt that this contest would When asked to name her favorite part of The sity. She plans to use some of her prize money to be a fantastic chance to test Fountainhead, Ms. Zhang replied: “One of my favor- attend a few World Cup soccer games next year my abilities.” Ms. Zhang is an ites would be the passage in which Toohey asks Roark when the tournament comes to Brazil. When asked aspiring writer who plans to what he thinks of him, and Roark responds by saying about her continued study of Rand’s ideas, she save her prize money for the publishing costs of her that he does not think of him. Although this is a rather replied that was next on her reading first book—a novel she has been working on and brief moment in the novel, I found it so powerful, and list. Ms. Quinn further stated, “I would like to thank revising for almost a decade. feel that it really speaks to Roark’s character.” Atlas the Institute’s donors profusely for this opportunity Ms. Zhang first learned about Ayn Rand in her Shrugged is the next Rand novel on her reading list.

Anthem the Play: Interview with Jeff Britting, continued from page 1

JB: Of all of Rand’s work, Anthem spoke to JB: I hope so. Given the right circumstances, it me because the character of Equality is young would be a feast of new plays, films and more! and in a stage of self-discovery. In a way, I think of Impact: What’s next for you? him as Howard Roark’s younger brother, at an earlier JB: I have several opera libretti which I’ve stage of development than other Ayn Rand heroes. worked on outside of my time at ARI and I’d like to And showing Equality’s first steps towards self- complete setting these works to music. I’ve always realization was very appealing. I was also inter- been drawn to works that combine music and text. ested in bringing to life the love between Equality Also, I am very interested in dance—especially and Liberty and the friendship between Equality ballet—and would like to explore that medium and International. These are two relationships more. I find fascinating. Impact: Thank you, Mr. Britting. Impact: Can we expect to see adaptations of JB: Thank you. I hope your readers enjoy the other Ayn Rand works in the future? show.

Yaron Answers

n Laissez-Faire, an ARI blog, , ARI’s Oexecutive director, regularly responds in video format to readers’ questions. Recent topics include:

• Should the United States intervene in Syria? • Doesn’t the free market lead to rising health care costs? • How does government intervention harm poor people? • Is there any role for government in disaster relief?

You can view “Yaron Answers” videos—and submit your own questions—at capitalism.aynrand.org.

Books to Free Market Students Program Completes Second Year

ast month ARI wrapped up the second year and ARI’s educational offerings to a larger stu- L of our Books to Free Market Students dent base than we have access to on our own.” program, which aims to ensure college stu- Organizations across the board reported dents interested in free markets are exposed that the donated books were met with enthusi- to Ayn Rand’s ideas. This marks the first year asm by their program participants. “Even stu- the program has supplied both fiction and non- dents who do not consider themselves Objectiv- fiction works. ists in the tradition of Ayn Rand have enjoyed The program supplies Ayn Rand books to receiving [these books],” said one organization free market organizations interested in distrib- director. “In addition to helping our students uting them to students in their educational pro- better understand the vision of freedom that grams. The books include a sticker and insert Rand offered, the books also help our students highlighting ARI’s educational programs. grow in appreciation for the spirited defense This year ARI distributed more than 7,700 of liberty that Rand embarked upon her entire books to organizations such as the Charles life.” Koch Foundation, the Cato Institute and the This year books were also offered to student Foundation for Economic Education. The most clubs interested in expanding understanding of requested title was Atlas Shrugged followed by her ideas on college campuses. Clubs across the Capitalism: The Unknown . Other titles political spectrum—from College Republicans included Anthem, Philosophy: Who Needs It, to economics societies to Objectivist campus The Virtue of Selfishness and Yaron Brook and clubs—reported tremendous popularity of the Don Watkins’s Free Market Revolution: How books, as they ran out of copies too quickly and Ayn Rand’s Ideas Can End Big Government. were unable to meet demand. More than 700 “We are excited to have been able to build books have already been sent to student clubs on the success of the first year of this program for distribution during the fall semester. and expand our offerings to Rand’s nonfiction, If you would like to give students the gift as well as to increase the number of organiza- of ideas, visit aynrand.org/donate. For more tions receiving books” remarks Jeff Scialabba, information about the Books to Free Market academic programs manager at ARI. “The pro- Students program, contact Jeff Scialabba at gram allows us to introduce Ayn Rand’s ideas [email protected]. 2 Donors Take Advantage of Special Legislation to Support ARI

etired studio musicians Dave the legislation is extended, of course, and assuming forgive the cliché, it changed our lives.” R and Nicole Ragaini are long- our financial context continues to support this type The Ragainis’ support of the Institute has been time Objectivists and have been of donation. Whatever giving method we employ, exemplary from the outset. Not only have they generous supporters of the Institute it is our great pleasure to support the Institute. We been contributors since ARI’s inception in 1985, for many years. They are Atlantis Legacy donors have such admiration for the tremendously impor- they were among the first to sign up for the EFT as well, having made provisions for ARI in their tant work Yaron Brook and his staff are doing. And monthly giving program when it was introduced in estate plan. as for working with Kathy Cross over the past fif- 1996. They systematically increased their level of A limited-time opportunity made possible by teen years, allow me to use a word our grandson is annual support over the years, reaching “Benefac- congressional legislation has allowed Mr. and Mrs. very fond of: it’s been ‘awesome!’” tor” status in 2000. Ragaini to transfer—tax-free—funds to the Institute Mrs. Ragaini added, “We are fervent believ- Since 2011 the Ragainis have been earmarking from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs; ers in ARI’s work, and want to fund it as much as their support, including this year’s IRA contribution, see related article on this page for details). possible both during and after our lifetimes—for for the Institute’s Digital Strategy Initiative (DSI), Early this year, an email message from ARI to ourselves, of course, and also for our children, our and their gifts have been matched by an anonymous our donors alerted the Ragainis to the IRA oppor- grandchildren, and all those who choose to embrace ARI donor. For more information about DSI, visit tunity, and they subsequently visited our website Ayn Rand’s philosophy.” aynrand.org/Digital. for more detailed information (aynrand.org/IRA). Mr. Ragaini discovered Objectivism in an Along the way, the Ragainis also provided for Mr. Ragaini also contacted ARI’s Kathy Cross, who unusual way—after a round of golf. Over drinks a bequest to the Institute from their estate, and they answered his questions about this method of contri- with a new friend, he happened to mention that he have arranged for additional legacies via two chari- bution. He and Mrs. Ragaini typically donate every was an atheist. The friend (the late William J. Belton table gift annuities that provide them with income month via the Institute’s Electronic Funds Transfer of Palm City, Florida, an ARI supporter during and and tax advantages during their lives as well as (EFT) program, but after consulting their accoun- after his lifetime) immediately said, “You must read funds for ARI after their lifetimes. The Institute is tant, they decided to suspend their EFT contri- Atlas Shrugged.” “Not only did I read it right away, most honored by and appreciative of the Ragainis’ butions for 2013 and give from their IRAs instead. but Nicole did too,” related Mr. Ragaini, “and if you’ll multifaceted and generous support. “Given that the government Since the IRA legislation first forces us to take distributions went into effect in 2006 (it has from our IRAs after we reach a expired and subsequently been ‘certain age,’” said Mr. Ragaini, extended several times), thirty- “we are delighted to forward seven ARI donors have made a these funds to ARI, lowering our total of 118 contributions ranging taxable income in the process.” in size from $100 to $100,000 Ms. Cross offered to prepare the from their IRAs. Could you fol- necessary letter of instruction for low their lead, and would you the Ragainis to send to their IRA want to do so? Please continue administrator. They reviewed, reading on this page to learn more printed, signed and mailed the about the IRA opportunity. letter, and less than two weeks For more information about later the check arrived at ARI. ARI’s Atlantis Legacy program Mrs. Ragaini noted, “ARI helped (including bequests as well as make the process of executing our gift annuities and other “life- gift very easy for us.” income” gift arrangements), visit Mr. Ragaini commented fur- atlantislegacy.org and/or contact ther: “We will certainly make Gift & Estate Planning manager additional gifts to the Institute Kathy Cross at 732-242-9408 or from our IRAs in the future—if [email protected]. Dave and Nicole Ragaini

The IRA Gift Opportunity

ere you born before July 1, 1943? Do you have • Distributions must be made directly to the Institute • I do not itemize deductions on my tax return. If Wan Individual Retirement Account (IRA)? If (not via a withdrawal by you). I transfer funds from my IRA to ARI, how do I your answer to both questions is “Yes,” you may be • Distributions must be made to qualified organi- achieve the tax savings? able to save taxes by supporting ARI this year. zations as defined in the legislation (for example, • I have already taken my 2013 distribution from The American Taxpayer Relief Act became ARI qualifies, but the Anthem Foundation for my IRA. Is it too late to send that money to ARI law on January 2, 2013, as part of the “fiscal cliff” Objectivist Scholarship does not). tax-free instead? legislation. Of potential interest to qualifying ARI • I do not have an IRA, but I have a 401(k) plan. donors is one of the charitable giving incentives If you meet the basic requirements, you may find Could I investigate rolling the 401(k) over to an (extended from legislation that expired at the end of the IRA gift option especially attractive under the IRA in order to take advantage of the legislation? 2011) included in the bill: For individuals who have following circumstances: • If my spouse has an IRA and has reached age 70.5, reached the age of 70.5 and who have Individ- can both of us transfer up to $100,000 to ARI from ual Retirement Accounts, tax-free distributions • You do not itemize deductions on your tax return. our IRAs? to nonprofit organizations are possible for a limi- • Your itemized deductions will be reduced because • Why would I want to reduce the size of my IRA ted time. (Before this legislation, most distributions your income levels exceed IRS limits. by making a transfer to ARI? from traditional IRAs were fully taxable.) • You live in a state with a state income tax that • I have already named the Institute as the death In addition to being tax-free, such distributions provides no tax breaks for charitable gifts. beneficiary of my IRA. Why donate from my IRA also count toward the IRA holder’s annual Required • Your non-IRA contributions will reach the annual now? Minimum Distribution (RMD). Even those who charitable deduction limitation. • If I conclude that I want to take advantage of the do not itemize deductions may be eligible to partici- • You want to reduce the size of retirement assets in legislation, how do I go about executing a transfer pate, since there is no tax deduction involved—the from my IRA to ARI? distribution is simply excluded from gross income. your estate. Here are the requirements imposed by the legislation: Will the legislation allowing tax-free transfers If you do not have access to the Internet, ARI from IRAs be extended again, or even be made per- will send you a printed copy of the entire FAQ about • You must have reached the age of 70.5 before mak- the IRA opportunity. To request this and/or to inquire ing a charitable distribution from your IRA. manent? As we go to press with this issue of Impact, the answer is unknown. For your planning purposes, further, contact Kathy Cross at 732-242-9408 or • Distributions must be completed no later than it is best to assume that this opportunity will not be [email protected]. December 31, 2013. available after December 31, 2013. • Distributions must be from your traditional or roll- ARI is committed to providing donors with accurate and over IRA (other retirement plans such as the 40l(k), For more detailed information, including an FAQ and authoritative information about charitable contributions. 403(b), and TIAA-CREF do not qualify). a sample letter of instruction to your IRA adminis- However, we cannot render legal or tax advisory services. • Total charitable distributions from your IRAs may trator, visit aynrand.org/IRA. Among the questions We urge donors to consult their own advisers regarding not exceed $100,000 for the year; other than this answered are: the tax and legal consequences of potential gifts. We are limit, distributions may be in any amount, even if pleased to work with donors’ advisers as well as our own the amount is more than, or less than, your RMD. to help ensure the best result for all concerned. 3 TM Recent Media Appearances

RI intellectuals regularly speak to the media about how Ayn Rand’s timeless ideas clarify issues Aof the day. Visit ARC-TV.com to keep up with ARI’s media appearances. Here is a selection. • September 17: Doug Altner on WINA’s The Schilling Show (“CAFE Standards”) • September 12: Rituparna Basu on Liberty Express Radio’s Butler on Business (“Obamacare May End ‘Job Lock’”) • September 6: Yaron Brook on Blog Talk Radio’s Don’t Let It Go Unheard (“America’s Foreign Policy, or Lack Thereof”) • August 29: Doug Altner on Liberty Express Radio’s Butler on Business (“Fast Food Workers Strike”) • August 22: Doug Altner on Liberty Express Radio’s Butler on Business (“Minimum Wage”)

eStore Releases Many New Products

ffering books, videos and audio recordings, resource for those who desire to learn more about O the Ayn Rand Institute eStore puts the most Objectivism. In order to illustrate the diverse con- complete collection of Ayn Rand-related works tent offered by the ARI eStore, here we highlight at your fingertips. This collection is an essential some of the new MP3 downloads available.

Q&A with Dr. : This audio was originally recorded at Objectivist Summer Conference 2012 as part of Dr. Ghate’s contribution to the course “An Introduction to Ayn Rand’s Philosophy: Objectiv- ism.” In this 50-minute Q&A, Dr. Ghate covers various philosophical questions on subjects such as religion, judging others, epistemology and quantum Panel Discussion on Obamacare Decision: In 2012 the mechanics. Supreme Court surprised most observers by uphold- ing Obamacare’s individual mandate. Is Chief Justice John Roberts, who wrote the decision, a traitor to the Constitution or a clever conservative strategist? Pan- elists—including Yaron Brook of ARI—analyze the decision and its consequences from the perspectives of law, philosophy, politics and medicine.

The Nature of Literary Heroism: Panel on Constitutional Strategic Litigation: Using Have you ever wondered how examples from campaign finance, eminent domain Ayn Rand’s heroes compare and economic liberties, attorneys from the Institute Announcement to the other great heroes of for Justice discuss public interest law, its limits and world literature? In this lecture, its relationships to activism. Among the questions e are pleased to announce seeks to addressed: the value of incremental litigation over that Onkar Ghate has answer that question by inves- time, how losses in court can ignite a large political W been promoted from Vice Pre- tigating what it means to be a debate, and what you can expect to gain through sident of Intellectual Leader- story’s “hero.” strategic constitutional litigation. ship to Chief Content Officer (CCO) as of October 1, 2013. Dr. Ghate is also relocating to the East Coast and will be Gift Cards: working alongside ARI’s team in Alexandria, Virginia. In his position as CCO, Dr. Ghate will head ARI’s newly created Content and Philosophical Leadership divi- sion, overseeing ARI’s staff of teachers and writers. As he has been doing for the past decade, Dr. Ghate will teach in the OAC, ARI’s premier program of advanced instruction in Objectivism, and serve as the Institute’s senior trainer and editor, helping to ensure that ARI produces high quality content in accordance with the principles of Objectivism.

Impact is published monthly by the Ayn Rand® Institute (ARI) and is complimentary to current donors who contribute $35 or more per year. For information on how you can support ARI and to learn about our he ARI eStore is now offering gift cards! A gift card is the perfect present for any Ayn Rand projects, please visit our website: aynrand.org. Atlantis Legacy®, the enthusiast in your life. Available in any denomination, our gift cards never expire and can be Institute’s planned giving program, and related indicia are registered T trademarks. The Ayn Rand Center for Individual Rights (ARC) is redeemed for a wide variety of products. Disclaimer: ARI eStore gift cards are not redeemable for any the public policy and outreach division of the Ayn Rand Institute. of the eStore products offered through Amazon. Objectivist Conferences (OCON) and the Ayn Rand Institute eStore are owned and operated by the Ayn Rand Institute. The Ayn Rand Visit estore.aynrand.org to view the many other products available and to sign up for weekly new Institute does not necessarily endorse the content of the lectures and product email updates. courses offered. All photos of Ayn Rand are used by permission of . Purchases from the ARI eStore and OCON do not qualify as tax-deductible contributions to the Ayn Rand Institute. Editors: Rituparna Basu, Kathleen Koehl Editorial Advisers: Yaron Brook, Mark Chapman, Marilee Dahl, hand corner of the enclosed envelope or email your Jeri Eagan, Julie Ferguson, , Duane Knight, Keith Lockitch, Impact by Email request to [email protected]. Anu Seppala, Lin Zinser Designer: Simon Federman In place of the print edition, ARI donors may opt Printing: David Antonacci Copy Editor: Donna Montrezza to receive Impact by email each month. The email Headquarters: 2121 Alton Parkway, Suite 250 edition saves ARI $30 annually per donor on Irvine, CA 92606-4926 Phone: 949-222-6550 Fax: 949-222-6558 © The Ayn Rand Institute 2013. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced printing and mailing costs. To start receiving Impact without permission. ARI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions by email, please see instructions in the lower-right- to ARI in the United States are tax-exempt to the extent provided by law.

4