NI Staff“The intellectual is the eyes, ears and voice of a free society.” — Ayn Rand
We just launched the Atlas Prize for Independent Thought — a competition challenging 16–22-year-olds to analyze, question, defend, or critique the ideas in Atlas Shrugged featuring a $100,000 top prize.
This is not your typical essay contest; it’s a multi-round intellectual gauntlet in which contestants prove their potential through an essay, an oral exam, and — if they qualify — a finals event in New York City.
The goal: to find the next generation of new intellectuals — young people with the potential to become philosophical “heavyweights” who can change the world with the power of their ideas.
But this all hinges on getting the Atlas Prize in front of the right audience: young minds who demonstrate not only intelligence and ambition, but intellectual integrity.
That’s where you can help.
We’re looking for creators and influencers — YouTubers, Substackers, podcast hosts — who have the ear of intellectually serious young people. A mass following is not necessary; in fact, niche creators may be even better as long as they have an audience of the right people.
Do you know anyone who fits that description? A name and a line of context are all we need; a warm introduction would be even more appreciated. Please send ideas to atlasprize@aynrand.org.
Thank you in advance for your help. Together, we can find the next generation of Objectivist intellectuals.
Ben Bayer
