The Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest is now open. The Ayn Rand Essay Contest offers a series of educational programs that allow students of all levels to become familiar with Ayn Rand’s philosophy and novels.The contest offers the opportunity to learn about Ayn Rand’s philosophy and novels. ARI has held essay contests on Ayn Rand’s fiction for more than thirty years, awarding over $2 million in total prize money to students around the world! This year we will award more than $30,000 to student winners.
Candidates must write an essay. You can choose between three topics. The dissertation cannot be less than 800 nor more than 1,600 words.
- Francisco d’Anconia says that “words ‘to make money’ hold the essence of human morality”. What does he mean? What is the moral attitude that prevails today in the face of money? Do you agree with Francisco’s point of view – explain why or why not.
- Atlas Shrugged is both a celebration of business and a defense against widespread attacks. Judging by Ayn Rand’s novel and the essay “What is capitalism?” and her speech “America’s persecuted minority: Big business”, why does she think business should be defended and championed? According to her, what does she think is a proper defense of business, and why?
- Ragnar Danneskjöld says he loves what has rarely been loved, man’s ability. What do you mean, he means? How does its position relate to the idea: “of each according to his ability to each according to his needs”? Do you agree with Ragnar’s attitude or not? Explain.
About Ayn Rand Institute
The Ayn Rand Institute: The Center for the Advancement of Objectivism, commonly known as the Ayn Rand Institute (ARI), is a nonprofit think tank in Santa Ana, California, that promotes Objectivism, the philosophy developed by Ayn Rand. Its stated goal is to "spearhead a cultural renaissance that will reverse the anti-reason, anti-individualism, anti-freedom, anti-capitalist trends in today's culture".The organization was established in 1985, three years after Rand's death, by Ed Snider and Leonard Peikoff, Rand... continue reading
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Ayn Rand Institute Contest
Aim and Benefits of Ayn Rand Institute Contest
Prize money to be won:
- 1st place: 1 winner receives $2,000
- 2nd place: $250
- 3rd place: $100
Requirements for Ayn Rand Institute Contest Qualification
- The Ayn Rand Atlas Shrugged essay contest is open to 12-year-old students, university students, and graduates.
- No application is required. Students from all over the world can enter the contest unless they are disabled or prohibited by law. The essays must be written in English only.
- Your name and address
- Your e-mail address (if available)
- Name and address of your school
- Selected Topic (# 1, 2, or 3 from the “Topic” tab)
- Your current grade level and
- (Optional) The name of the teacher who assigned the essay when you complete it for the credit of the lesson.
Documents Required for Application
- Your name and address
- Your e-mail address (if available)
- Name and address of your school
- Selected Topic (# 1, 2, or 3 from the “Topic” tab)
- Your current grade level and
- (Optional) The name of the teacher who assigned the essay when you complete it for the credit of the lesson.
Application Deadline
April 28, 2022
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
Ayn Rand Institute on to apply
You can send your essay with the stapled cover page to the following address:
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Ayn Rand Institute
P.O Box 57044
Irvine, CA 92619-7044
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