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Volume 12, Number 11, November 2006 The Initiative Philosophers Discuss ext year marks the fiftieth anniversary—the annual scholarly conference to discuss the ideas, N“golden anniversary”—of the publication of impact and enduring relevance of Atlas Shrugged; at Historic ’s novel Atlas Shrugged. In conjunction expanding our current Web site promoting read- with that anniversary, Impact is pleased to report ership of Atlas Shrugged to undergraduate and Conference the proposed Atlas Shrugged Initiative. graduate business students. n September 22–24 prominent non-Objectiv- The purpose of the Initiative is to commemo- Our program to promote Atlas Shrugged to the Oist and Objectivist philosophers gathered for rate this milestone and, in doing so, bring wider media and the general public includes: a series of an historic meeting at the University of Pittsburgh public attention to the novel and its ideas, as well fifteen public lectures on college campuses and at to discuss topics important in Ayn Rand’s philoso- as to further stimulate interest in Atlas Shrugged other public forums on the history and impact of phy. The conference was called “Concepts and among intellectuals, students and educators. Atlas Shrugged; a scholarly conference to discuss Objectivity: Knowledge, Science, and Values” and Contingent on sufficient donor funding, ARI the ideas and impact of the novel; a public event featured discussions of issues in epistemology and is planning for the following activities to be part of in New York City to celebrate the fiftieth anni- ethics, some of which included extensive treat- the Initiative: versary of Atlas Shrugged; media outreach efforts ments of Ayn Rand’s ideas. We plan to expand the Free Books to Teachers coordinated with these projects—to reach those “The purpose of the conference was to program to include free copies of Atlas Shrugged who cannot attend events in person; publication encourage dialogue between academic philoso- to high school teachers who agree to teach the support and writers grants for a book, tentatively phers who are serious students of Objectivist novel to twelfth grade students. And we plan to titled Essays on Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged”; a and academic philosophers who are expand the Atlas Shrugged essay contest for col- Web site to commemorate and promote the fiftieth not,” said Dr. of the University of lege students to include high school seniors, based anniversary of Atlas Shrugged—giving visitors Texas, one of the conference’s co-organizers. specifically on those students’ reading of Atlas information on the novel, its history and frequent “I’m happy to say we achieved that purpose. I Shrugged. updates on anniversary events. hope—and expect—there will be more confer- Other programs to promote Atlas Shrugged in We hope these activities attract public and ences like this one in the future.” colleges and universities include: offering copies media attention to the golden anniversary of Atlas Participants included Dr. and Dr. of Atlas Shrugged to students at business schools Shrugged, but further, we plan to use this occasion of the . Dr. free of charge; sending each participant in the to launch several long-term programs that will Ghate presented a paper on the nature of percep- Atlas Shrugged college essay contest a free copy ensure the influence of Atlas Shrugged for the next tion and Dr. Binswanger chaired a session on Ayn of one of Ayn Rand’s nonfiction works; holding an fifty years—and beyond. Rand’s theory of concepts. The conference was organized by Dr. of the University of Pittsburgh, and Dr. Objectivist Summer Conference 2007 Lineup Announced Smith, in consultation with Dr. James Lennox, of the University of Pittsburgh. It was sponsored by the University of Texas at Austin Fellowship for Impact is pleased to announce the lineup of Objectivist General Sessions the Study of Objectivism and the University of Conference 2007 (July 6–15) in Telluride, Colorado. • : The DIM Hypothesis Pittsburgh Fellowship for the Study of Objectiv- • Tore Boeckmann: The Originality of Atlas Shrugged ism, which were initiated by the Founda- * * * • Talbot Manvel: James Jerome Hill: Empire Builder tion for Objectivist Scholarship. • Shoshana Milgram: The Creation of Ayn Rand’s Ultimate The Anthem Foundation is a nonprofit organi- Man: Who Was ? zation that sponsors teaching, writing and research • Darryl Wright: Ayn Rand’s Ethics: From The on Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism through Fountainhead to Atlas Shrugged grants to universities and colleges. Optional courses “The conference broke new ground in terms • Thomas Bowden: Giants of the Law of bringing Objectivist theory into the academic • : History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict debate, and will help academia gain a wider • Pat Corvini: Two, Three, Four and All That appreciation for and understanding of Ayn Rand’s • Eric Daniels: Property Rights in American History philosophy,” said Dr. Binswanger. • Alex Epstein: The Media’s Fraudulent Accounting of Business Scandals Year-End Tax Alert • Debi Ghate; Keith Lockitch; : Inspiring Heroes Series: Great Pioneers TM ight bad government programs—don’t finance them! • David Harriman: The Scientific Revolution If you itemize deductions on your tax return, you Objectivist Conferences F • John Lewis: The Meaning of Victory: August 1945 can “contribute” less to the government at tax time by • Robert Mayhew: The Greek Sophists donating cash or other assets to ARI now. • Travis Norsen: Three Quantum Dissidents Contributions of appreciated securities held more

July 6 through July 15, 2007 • David Rehm: Dance Workshop on Balboa than one year offer double tax savings: they are fully Telluride Conference Center Telluride, Colorado • Jason Rheins: Immanuel Kant’s System of Critical deductible at current market value, and capital gain tax General Session Lectures Philosophy: Part I—Kant’s Theoretical Philosophy is also avoided; for details, visit www.aynrand.org/stock. (see pages 4–6) TM As always, consult your tax adviser before arranging a Optional Courses • Greg Salmieri: Atlas Shrugged as a Work of Philosophy Conferences for the rational mind (see pages 5–8) • Brian Simpson: Economics (part 1): The Nature of transfer of non-cash property to the Institute. Economics, Wealth and the Division of Labor Gifts must be completed by December 31 to qualify • Brad Thompson: American Slavery, American Freedom for a deduction on your 2006 tax return. For assistance • Lisa VanDamme: Gems of Drama with your year-end gifts to ARI, contact Kathy Cross at 310-876-1633 or [email protected]. Temporary Legislation Enables Tax-Advantaged Charitable Gifts from IRAs

Last August the Pension Protection Act of 2006 was enacted into law. Of required by man’s nature for his proper survival. potential interest to qualify- Individual Rights If man is to live on earth, it is right for him to ing ARI donors is one of use his mind, it is right to act on his own free the bill’s charitable giving Each month Impact suggests readings and other judgment, it is right to work for his values and to incentives: For individuals who have Individual resources for fans of Ayn Rand’s fiction who wish keep the product of his work. If life on earth is his Retirements Accounts (IRAs) and who have to learn more about her philosophy, Objectivism. purpose, he has a right to live as a rational being: reached the age of 70.5, tax-free distributions nature forbids him the irrational.” (“This Is John to non-profit organizations are now possible. he task of political philosophy is to answer Galt Speaking” in ) (Previously, most distributions from traditional Tthe question, What social system is proper Ayn Rand was the first philosopher to IRAs were fully taxable.) for man? The principle that enables one to identify an objective standard for determin- In addition to being tax-free, such distribu- answer that question—the basic principle ing whether or not someone’s rights have been tions also count toward the IRA holder’s annual of politics, according to Ayn Rand—is the violated. “The concept of a ‘right’ pertains only Minimum Required Distribution. And since principle of individual rights. to action—specifically, to freedom of action. there is no tax deduction involved—the distri- “A ‘right,’” according to Miss Rand, “is It means freedom from physical compulsion, bution is simply excluded from gross income— a moral principle defining and sanctioning a coercion or interference by other men. Thus, for even those who do not itemize deductions may man’s freedom of action in a social context. every individual, a right is the moral sanction participate. There is only one fundamental right (all the of a positive—of his freedom to act on his own Can you take advantage of the “IRA chari- others are its consequences or corollaries): a judgment, for his own goals, by his own volun- table rollover”? Here are the requirements: man’s right to his own life. Life is a process of tary, uncoerced choice. As to his neighbors, his self-sustaining and self-generated action; the rights impose no obligations on them except of • You must have reached the age of 70.5 right to life means the right to engage in self- a negative kind: to abstain from violating his before making a charitable distribution sustaining and self-generated action—which rights.” (“Man’s Rights”) from your IRA. means: the freedom to take all the actions For further reading on this topic (in addition • Distributions must be completed in 2006 required by the nature of a rational being for to the essays already cited), see Ayn Rand’s and/or in 2007. the support, the furtherance, the fulfillment essays, “Collectivized ‘Rights,’” and “The Nature • Distributions must be from your traditional and the enjoyment of his own life. (Such is of Government,” in The Virtue of Selfishness, as or rollover IRA; other retirement plans such the meaning of the right to life, liberty and the well as chapter 10 of Dr. Leonard Peikoff’s book as the 40l(k), 403(b), and TIAA-CREF do pursuit of happiness.)” (“Man’s Rights,” in The Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand. All of not qualify (though they could be rolled Virtue of Selfishness) the items cited in this column can be purchased over to IRAs). Rights, in Ayn Rand’s view, are not gifts from from the Ayn Rand Bookstore. To order, please • Distributions must be made to qualified God or from society. Rather they are based on the visit www.aynrandbookstore.com or call organizations as defined in the legislation; nature of man. “Rights are conditions of existence 1-800-729-6149. the Ayn Rand Institute qualifies, but the Anthem Foundation for Objectivist Scholarship does not. • Distributions must be made directly to the Institute (not via a withdrawal by you). Preface to Essays on Ayn Rand’s “” • Distributions must not exceed $100,000 per year (this limit does not affect your This following selection is from the forthcoming favorable review Ayn Rand received in her life- charitable gifts from other sources). book, Essays on Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead,” time from —as well as the • Distributions must be outright charitable edited by Dr. Robert Mayhew. It is reprinted here reviews of the 1949 Warner Bros. film version of gifts—not contributions to fund gift annuities by permission of the publisher, Lexington Books. The Fountainhead. ’s essay, “Adapt- and other planned gifts. ing The Fountainhead to Film,” is a detailed study * * * of one aspect of that film’s history: the develop- If you have reached the age threshold—or ment of the screenplay. will do so before the end of 2007—and would n “The Goal of My Writing,” Ayn Rand says: Part 2 contains essays that focus on The like to reduce your taxable income while pro- “The motive and purpose of my writing is the Fountainhead as literature and as philosophy. It I viding additional support for the Institute, the projection of an ideal man.” Howard Roark, the begins with Tore Boeckmann’s “The Fountain- new law offers an unprecedented opportunity. hero of The Fountainhead, is her first complete head as a Romantic Novel,” a detailed discussion It may appeal as well to donors whose income realization of this goal. This collection of essays of the novel in the context of Ayn Rand’s identi- level causes phase-outs of their deductions, and is an exploration and celebration of The Fountain- fication of the nature of romanticism in literature, those for whom additional income may cause head, its hero, its underlying philosophy—and its and how it differs from two rival schools: natu- their social security income to be taxed. creator. ralism and classicism. Much of the essay serves Reduce your taxable income, increase your Part 1, which covers the novel’s history, to underscore the importance of her claim that support this year and next, and help ARI change begins with Shoshana Milgram’s extensive “the essential attribute of Romanticism” is “the the culture sooner! For more information, visit discussion of the creation of The Fountainhead: independent, creative projection of an individual www.aynrand.org/IRA or contact Kathy Cross “The Fountainhead from Notebook to Novel: writer’s values.” To illustrate this point, the essay at 310-876-1633 or [email protected]. The Composition of Ayn Rand’s First Ideal includes a comparison of The Fountainhead and Please note: Qualifying charitable distribu- Man.” Howard Roark and the novel that tells his Edmond Rostand’s Chantecler. tions from your IRA may be taxable for state story were the products of Ayn Rand’s creative In her 1945 letter “To the Readers of The and local tax purposes, depending on state law. genius, and Milgram’s essay provides us with a Fountainhead,” Ayn Rand writes: Also, even with the advantages offered by the window into this act of creation. It also explores new legislation, there may be more tax-efficient the prominence of Nietzsche in the early drafts Aristotle said that fiction is of ways for you to support ARI. of The Fountainhead and shows that much of greater philosophical importance than the Nietzsche material was removed as work on history, because history represents the novel developed. The next essay—Michael things only as they are, while fiction S. Berliner’s “Howard Roark and Frank Lloyd represents them “as they might be and Wright”—underscores Ayn Rand’s originality. It is ought to be.” If you wish a key to the Disclaimer: ARI is committed to providing often claimed that Roark was modeled after Frank literary method of The Fountainhead, Lloyd Wright; however, Dr. Berliner demonstrates this is it. donors with accurate and authoritative informa- that although Wright was in certain respects an tion about charitable contributions. However, inspiration for Roark, he was not a model. Mr. Boeckmann’s second essay, “What Might we cannot render legal or tax advisory services. Richard Ralston’s “Publishing The Foun- Be and Ought to Be: Aristotle’s Poetics and The We urge donors to consult their own advisers tainhead” covers the publication history of the Fountainhead,” discusses this “might be and regarding the tax and legal consequences of novel—a history more interesting than that of any ought to be” principle, demonstrates that it is potential gifts. We are pleased to work with of Ayn Rand’s other novels. Michael S. Berliner’s Aristotelian and explains how precisely it is “a donors’ advisers as well as our own to help second essay, “The Fountainhead Reviews,” key to the literary method of The Fountainhead.” ensure the best result for all concerned. discusses the (surprisingly few) reviews of the novel—with special attention given to the only Continued on page 4  The New Intellectuals: A Conversation with Dr. Tara Smith

Dr. Tara Smith is a profes- wanting to study Objectivism more seriously. TS: Right. Several years ago, at one of sor of philosophy at the Then I got into that class. There were four the Objectivist summer conferences, I gave a University of Texas, where of us on the phone around the country, with course on rationality and objectivity. One of she currently holds the Dr. Binswanger based in New York. The class the students was John Allison, who is the CEO Anthem Foundation Fel- was phenomenal—just so illuminating. After of BB&T. He talked to me shortly after the lowship. She earned her that, Dr. Binswanger would give other courses, class and asked if I would be willing to adapt PhD from Johns Hopkins which ultimately evolved into the OGC. From it into an intensive two-day course for the University in 1989. She all of those courses I took over the next few senior management at his company. is the author of Moral years, I learned a tremendous amount. And I The employees at BB&T are not familiar Rights & Political Free- was beginning to realize that there was also a with or interested in Objectivism per se, as Dr. Tara Smith dom and Viable Values as unique methodology to Objectivism. I have to students at a summer conference are, so I had well as numerous journal say I needed a lot more work on that after my to adapt a lot of the material and I also added articles. Her latest book is Ayn Rand’s Norma- graduate career. a lot. At John’s suggestion, I added segments tive Ethics: The Virtuous Egoist. Then when I started teaching I wasn’t on the logical fallacies, such as the fallacies of In the first part of this interview, published taking any courses, but from time to time I false alternative, equivocation, context drop- last month, Dr. Smith discussed her newly would sit in on something, including one or ping. I also talked about the burden of proof published book, and her Anthem Foundation two courses Dr. Peikoff taught. And what I’ve principle. Some other segments have been Fellowship; in this second and final part she learned from the various teachers at the OGC added since—on creative thinking, persuasion, tells Impact about her intellectual development courses, in these classes I’ve sat in on, is truly uses of statistics. and about her future writing plans. incalculable, in terms of both content and This was to be a one-time thing, where method. And I can still revisit the notes from BB&T would videotape the seminar and even- * * * those courses and get still more out of them. tually show the tapes to certain other employ- I must say the benefit I’ve received from ees. But they found that having me there live Impact: When did you first discover Ayn Rand? ARI is difficult to overestimate. Even those to answer questions was valuable, so instead TS: In my senior year of high school. I things ARI does to support other Objectivist of a one-time deal, I ended up giving the read The Fountainhead one Christmas and intellectual helps me. It simply enhances the seminar every year—for a while I was giving thought, “Oh boy.” Then I think I read some of knowledge and skills of other Objectivist aca- it a few times a year. I also gave a version of the nonfiction during the rest of that semester. demics out there doing what I do—even some the course once at Hutchinson Technologies, in Early in the summer I tackled Atlas Shrugged, of the ones who aren’t in philosophy, but who Minnesota. (That’s the company that ARI has and on we went. are in history or other fields. The more good established an ongoing educational program Impact: And when did you decide to go minds who are out there studying Objectivism, for.). Now I’m pretty much just doing it once a into philosophy? who have a deeper understanding of this prin- year at BB&T. TS: It’s interesting. I started out interested ciple, or that application, or the methodology Impact: What do you get out giving this in political theory, and I was a government in general, the more tremendously beneficial it type of course? major in college. However, I would take a phi- is to me. It gives me people who are valuable TS: It’s a nice change for me to speak to losophy class each term my first few semes- to talk with when I have these questions about non-university students. I like my UT [Uni- ters, and I found I preferred the way political intrinsic value or whatever it might be. versity of Texas] students a lot, but it’s always philosophy was handled in the philosophy Impact: Could you talk a little bit about different when you’re speaking to older people department, so then it became a double major. your experience at the Pittsburgh conference? who are more experienced, employed, out But the more I did philosophy, the more I liked TS: The theme of the conference was there facing an array of very real, practical ethics—the way it dealt with fundamental “concepts and objectivity,” in three particular issues. I enjoy that. I find the real world keeps questions. So somewhere along junior or early spheres: knowledge, science and values. us honest, in philosophy. You try to main- senior year I realized that one of the professors My participation was two-fold. I was a tain that as much as you can in the college whom I liked very much—I had had maybe commentator in one of the sessions on values. classroom, but hard-nosed business people three classes with him and would talk to him The speaker, George Sher, a philosopher at are going to keep you honest in terms of their during his office hours—one day it dawned Rice University, defended the objectivity of questions, their examples, actual situations on me I could do what he does for a living. I values, and I critiqued his paper, arguing that it they confront. So I’ve really benefited from could get paid to do deal with ideas. I never didn’t successfully do so. the interactions with those people. Sometimes looked back. I was also one of the two co-organizers of it’s turned up new aspects of a truth I hadn’t I should say that during this time I consid- the conference. Allan Gotthelf of the Univer- previously seen or considered. ered myself an Objectivist, and I was reading sity of Pittsburgh and I, through our Anthem I should also say I’ve been incredibly Ayn Rand, but there’s a sense in which my Foundation fellowships, conceived of the con- impressed with the culture at BB&T. There understanding of philosophy as I was taught ference and organized it from start to finish. is a palpable aura of—I don’t know how to it in the university and my understanding of Impact: What was the goal of the conference? characterize it—of competence—far more than Objectivism were on two different tracks. I TS: To encourage some dialog between competence, actually—a culture of benevo- was putting them together to some degree, academic philosophers who are serious stu- lence, goodwill, of people being thoroughly but in retrospect I can see the great extent to dents of Objectivist philosophy and academic responsible, conscientious, efficient, helpful— which I wasn’t. philosophers who are not. of trying to be the best one can be. I’ve expe- Impact: You were part of one of the The program consisted of a blend of those rienced this with everyone from the staff who original OGC classes [the Objectivist Graduate two kinds of people. It included people like helps arrange the logistics of my visits through Center, the precursor to the Objectivist Aca- Onkar Ghate and Harry Binswanger from all echelons of people in my courses. It really demic Center]. Can you talk a bit about that? the Ayn Rand Institute, Allan Gotthelf, Dar- seems like the company has taken to heart its TS: That’s actually a good follow up to ryl Wright, Jim Lennox, Greg Salmieri, and core values. Thanks to John Allison, those core what I was just saying. I went straight from me—as well as a number of people with no values that he’s laid out in their handbook are undergrad to graduate school. I was, as I said, particular interest or knowledge of Ayn Rand’s based on Objectivism. studying academic philosophy—seriously philosophy, but who are all top-notch people in Impact: In your three books you’ve by now—and reading various Objectivist their field, and who were open to talking about addressed politics, meta-ethics and now nor- material. But I wasn’t integrating them well. these ideas. mative ethics. Do you have any idea what you Then I heard about this announcement to The conference was philosophically edu- would like to do next? attend a class on Objectivism with Dr. Harry cational for everybody, I think. There are a lot TS: The one big thing on my mind these Binswanger. of hard questions out there on these issues—on days is philosophy of law. And in a way that’s a To be accepted into the class, you had to changing understanding of a concept over time, return to something that has always been at the write an essay on Ayn Rand’s Introduction as occurs fairly frequently with scientific con- back of my mind, even when I was doing the to Objectivist Epistemology. So I reread that cepts, for instance, which was one of the paper political work—quite naturally so because of for the first time in a few years and that was topics—and these discussions were very con- the close association between the political and really important for me. By this point I had structive in that regard. One of our goals was the legal. I’m very excited about that right now. pretty much read everything there was at that simply to get some serious, reflective dialog I gave a talk at the 2005 Objectivist sum- stage, which is a lot less than today, but it was going over various dimensions of the important mer conference, and I wrote a paper this last rereading the epistemology that was eye-open- concept of objectivity, and we accomplished that. academic year, on the issue of judicial inter- ing. It made me realize Objectivism was a Overall I think the conference went very pretation: how judges should understand the lot richer, a lot stronger than I had originally well and I hope that there will be similar law and the Constitution in particular. Part of thought. I remember thinking: “Concepts are events in the future. what I like about that issue is the epistemology objective? This is really grounded!” And that Impact: In addition to your work as a pro- involved in understanding how concepts in the was just to write the application to get into the fessor, I understand you’ve also taught courses course! That really started me on the path of on clear thinking for businessmen. Continued on page 4  Preface to Essays on Ayn Rand’s “The The New Intellectuals: A Conversation with Dr. Tara Smith, continued from page 3 Fountainhead,” continued from page 2 law can be objectively construed. I still have a in the law. I have questions about juries. I just lot of questions there. think there are a number of those questions. Shoshana Milgram’s second essay, “Three Also, when you get into legal literature, I’ve gotten somewhat interested in issues Inspirations for the Ideal Man: Cyrus Paltons, even philosophical legal literature, you must be in the ethics of war, given recent events, in the Enjolras, and Cyrano de Bergerac,” is an excel- familiar with an abundance of material and a last few years. I’ve taught a class on that this lent piece of comparative literature that discusses number of actual court cases, in addition to the past year. I’m not sure that I would want to do early literary inspirations for Howard Roark: philosophical literature, just to become liter- research on that but I might. I’m very inter- Cyrus Paltons, from Maurice Champagne’s The ate in the field in order to say things at a level ested in free speech. And there’s another part Mysterious Valley; Enjolras, from Victor Hugo’s scholars would take seriously. Because I have of me that has a hankering to really solidify my Les Misérables; and Cyrano de Bergerac, from no background in this area there’s just an awful understanding of even basic epistemology much Edmond Rostand’s eponymous play. lot of work to do to get started in that respect. more firmly. So in another life, or some other Each of the next three essays deals with a So I’ve literally just scratched the surface there. decade, I’d love to just really try to master that topic that spans both literature and philosophy. I still don’t know whether this is an area to a much greater extent than I ever have. ’s “Understanding the ‘Rape’ that I want to stay in for a few years, or for Impact: We’ll look forward to those proj- Scene in The Fountainhead” discusses one of the many years, or whether I just want to write an ects. Thank you for talking with us. most misunderstood scenes in the novel—and article or two. I’m still not sure. I know that one of the most misunderstood characters (Domi- I remain very enthused by it because I think nique Francon). My contribution, “Humor in The there are a number of questions that need to Fountainhead,” examines the humor in the novel, be addressed, not only on the issue of judicial and explores in what sense The Fountainhead interpretation and all of its closely related issues is satirical (whereas Atlas Shrugged is not). In like the status of common law and stare decisis. her introduction to the twenty-fifth anniversary But also in a broad way I’m interested in ques- edition of The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand wrote tions about evidence and standards of evidence that a major reason for the novel’s lasting appeal is its “confirmation of the spirit of youth.” B. Impact is published monthly by the Ayn Rand® Institute (ARI) and is complimentary to current donors who contribute $35 or more per year. John Bayer’s “The Fountainhead and the Spirit For information on how you can support ARI and to learn about of Youth” discusses the precise nature of the our projects, please visit our Web site: www.aynrand.org. Atlantis Legacy®, the Institute’s planned giving program, and related indicia novel’s confirmation of this spirit, drawing on a Objectivist Summer are registered trademarks. The Ayn Rand Archives is a special later essay of Rand’s: “The ‘Inexplicable Personal collection of the Ayn Rand Institute. Objectivist Conferences (OCON) Conference 2007 Preview: and the Ayn Rand Bookstore are owned by Second Renaissance, Alchemy.’” Inc., which is operated by the Ayn Rand Institute. Second The final four essays treat moral-philosophi- Renaissance, Inc., and the Ayn Rand Institute do not necessarily Leonard Peikoff’s “The DIM endorse the content of the lectures and courses offered. All photos cal topics. Onkar Ghate’s “The Basic Motivation of Ayn Rand are used by permission of the Estate of Ayn Rand. of the Creators and the Masses in The Fountain- Hypothesis” Is Available Purchases from the Ayn Rand Bookstore do not qualify as head” deals with what creative genius demands tax-deductible contributions to the Ayn Rand Institute. and what the “masses” are, and the connected Free at aynrand.org Editor: Editorial Advisers: Dr. Yaron Brook, Mark Chapman, question (to employ the title of a later essay of Next summer Objectivist Summer Confer- Debi Ghate, Anu Seppala Designer: Simon Federman Rand’s) “How Does One Lead a Rational Life in Printing: David Antonacci Copy Editor: Donna Montrezza ence 2007 will present a new lecture series an Irrational Society?” Two of Howard Roark’s Headquarters: 2121 Alton Parkway, Suite 250 by Dr. Leonard Peikoff, presenting a detailed major virtues—virtues crucial to being a creator, Irvine, CA 92606-4926 Phone: 949-222-6550 Fax: 949-222-6558 examination of his forthcoming book, “The and intimately connected to Ayn Rand’s concep- © The Ayn Rand Institute 2006. All rights reserved. Not to be DIM Hypothesis.” reproduced without permission. tion of egoism—are independence and integrity. For a limited time, as a prelude to this These are the topics of the next two essays: Tara event, we are able to present to you, free of Smith’s “Unborrowed Vision: Independence in charge, a streaming audio recording of the The Fountainhead,” and Dina Schein’s “Roark’s original lecture series, delivered in 2004, in Integrity.” Finally, Amy Peikoff’s “A Moral which Dr. Peikoff gave the first detailed pre- Dynamiting” discusses moral and legal issues sur- sentation of his exciting new theory. Listeners rounding the novel’s climax: Roark’s dynamiting are invited to experience this course as a docu- of the Cortlandt Homes housing project. ment of the early development of Dr. Peikoff’s In fall 2005, I interviewed Leonard Peikoff latest work. on The Fountainhead for more than an hour. I am Streaming audio links for the course can be pleased to include, as an epilogue to this collec- TM found online at the Ayn Rand Institute’s Regis- tion, a transcript of that interview, in which Dr. tered User Page: www.aynrand.org/reg_welcome. Peikoff discusses, among other things, the charac- Audio streams are available in both RealMedia® ters Ellsworth Toohey, Gail Wynand, and Domi- and Windows Media® formats. nique Francon; the difference in focus between The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged; and what The Fountainhead has meant to him personally. Course description: This 15-session course—part lecture, part * * * discussion—was presented live to a worldwide In her introduction to the twenty-fifth anni- audience by phone and on the Internet. It is versary edition of The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand based on Dr. Peikoff’s “The DIM Hypothesis” writes: “Longevity—predominantly, though not (book-in-progress), in which he looks at the exclusively—is the prerogative of a literary school role of integration in the culture and in practi- which is virtually non-existent today: Romanti- cal life. cism.” Romanticism, she said, “deals, not with the This course explains and explores random trivia of the day, but with the timeless, Dr. Peikoff’s new DIM hypothesis, applying fundamental, universal problems and values of it to ten different cultural areas, as listed in the human existence.” She adds: “I do not mean to course outline. The hypothesis identifies and imply that I knew, when I wrote it, that The Foun- distinguishes three types of mind: the mind tainhead would remain in print for twenty-five characterized by I (Integration); by D (Dis- years. I did not think of any specific time period. integration); or by M (Misintegration). In the I knew only that it was a book that ought to live. sessions Dr. Peikoff points out how all of the It did.” And it still does. Though it was published influential movements in the areas included over sixty years ago, it continues to sell; further, it reflect—and could only have been created is being taught with increasing frequency in high by—one or another of these three mind sets. If schools and universities throughout the United enhancing your understanding of today’s world States. The Fountainhead has become, as it ought and of where we are heading is an important to be, an American classic. concern of yours, Dr. Peikoff believes that you Robert Mayhew will find a DIM perspective on events to be of Seton Hall University significant value. June 2006 As Dr. Peikoff recently explained: “[M]y * * * thesis is that the dominant trends in every key To preorder Essays on Ayn Rand’s area can be defined by their leaders’ policy “The Fountainhead,” please visit toward integration: they are against it (Disinte- www.aynrandbookstore.com or call gration, D); they are for it, if it conforms to real- 1-800-729-6149. Expected delivery ity (Integration, I); they are for it, if it conforms is early January 2007. to a superior reality (Misintegration, M).”