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Ayn Rand Institute

@aynrandinstitute.bsky.social

322 followers 45 following 666 posts

The Ayn Rand Institute is the source for information about the life, writings and ideas of Ayn Rand. Discover more about Ayn Rand: linktr.ee/aynrand

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Is Ticketmaster gouging fans, or undercharging them? Robertas Bakula makes the counterintuitive case against the Live Nation antitrust verdict that claims "illegal monopoly". Read the full article 👇

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

In his new book, "Breaking Free from Faith-Based Morality," Ben Bayer challenges atheists and secularists to understand how the dominant morality of altruism is rooted in religion, and shows how to build a secular ethics free from its grips. Read the preface 👇

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Interview with Ben Bayer on Texas Talks Podcast ARI Senior Fellow Ben Bayer was interviewed on the Texas Talks podcast. He discussed Ayn Rand’s approach to philosophy as a practical means for living, the life-promoting philosophy she developed, and how her idealist-realist heroes dramatize it.

Interview with Ben Bayer on Texas Talks Podcast

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

How do you build the next generation of thinkers? We answered that with conferences like AynRandCon US, now central to our strategy for finding students with intellectual potential. 👇

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Art's value in free market | Dr Tristan de Liege Excerpt from "Art Subsidies Are Unjust and a Violation of Free Speech" on The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast.

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

If we reject the Bible’s stance on slavery and pigskin, why do we still cling to its doctrine of altruism? In the new Free Inquiry cover story, Ben Bayer breaks down Bart Ehrman’s Love Thy Stranger to unmask the hidden history of altruism and Christian morality. Read Article Below 👇

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Human Values and the Desire to Matter This episode of ARI Bookshelf discusses The Mattering Instinct, the merits and limitations of Goldstein’s account of mattering, her emphasis on the idea that life involves resisting entropy, and the book’s brief mention of Ayn Rand.

Human Values and the Desire to Matter: Discussing “The Mattering Instinct”

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Interview with Greg Salmieri on Texas Talks Podcast Greg Salmieri was interviewed on the Texas Talks podcast where he discussed Ayn Rand’s ideas, their relation to the ideas of other thinkers, including Aristotle, Marx, and “libertarians,” and her influence on his own work.

Interview with Greg Salmieri on Texas Talks Podcast

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Altruism's Corrosive Poison | Dr Onkar Ghate Excerpt from "9/11—25 Years Later" on The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast.

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The Ayn Rand Center Groundbreaking The Ayn Rand Institute celebrated a historic milestone: the groundbreaking of the new Ayn Rand Center in Austin, Texas. Elan Journo and ARI CEO Tal Tsfany share footage from the ceremony and discuss this building as a lasting physical home for Rand's ideas.

The Ayn Rand Center Groundbreaking

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Disney vs. FCC: Licensing as a Tool of Censorship Does a broadcaster remain free when every editorial decision must account for the regulator controlling its license? Onkar Ghate and Robertas Bakula examine Disney’s case against the FCC and argue that the airwaves should be fully privatized.

Disney vs. FCC: Licensing as a Tool of Censorship

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Dr. Onkar Ghate challenges a common misconception about the logical fallacy of context-dropping. Register for the ARU today 👇

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Ayn Rand’s Fight Against Communist Influence in Hollywood Elan Journo and Brandon Lisi discuss the new edition of Ayn Rand’s 1947 essay, Screen Guide for Americans, Rand’s battle against communist influence in Hollywood and why her analysis of how movies can spread propaganda remains relevant.

Ayn Rand’s Fight Against Communist Influence in Hollywood

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

To maintain control over your own life, you must be free to evaluate every idea for yourself, even the abhorrent ones. Onkar Ghate makes the case for the moral necessity of free speech absolutism and the principled protection of the first amendment Read full article below 👇

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Does introspection slow entrepreneurs down like Marc Andreessen says it does—or is he confusing deliberate self-examination with useless rumination? Titan producers like Bezos & Dalio show active reflection is key to learning and purpose. Read the full analysis 👇

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Self-study can take you far. But if you’re serious about mastering Objectivism, there’s something it can’t give you. Learn more: Learn.AynRand.org

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Why Academic Philosophy Fails to Understand Capitalism Is the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy’s entry on capitalism biased, or does it reflect academic philosophy's hostility toward free markets? The hosts discuss Marxist bias, the failure to define capitalism, and Ayn Rand’s moral alternative.

Why Academic Philosophy Fails to Understand Capitalism

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Is "extremism" really the problem with Democratic Socialism? Or is it something deeper? In a recent article & podcast, Ben Bayer and Tristan de Lie break down the rise of the DSA, its moral roots in altruism, and why both Democrats and MAGA populists struggle to challenge it. Full Analysis Below 👇

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

The events of Atlas Shrugged famously start on September 2, commemorating the day in 1946 when Ayn Rand drafted the opening scene. In celebration of Atlas Shrugged Day, buy a copy of Ayn Rand’s life-changing novel for yourself or a friend who’s never read it.

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

We hear from all sides that perfection is an "impossible dream" and that "nobody is perfect." But what if that idea is dangerous nonsense? Discover the rational, this-worldly meaning of perfection in Harry Binswanger's republished 1981 essay, "The Possible Dream. Read it below 👇

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Users around the world will soon get an inside look at how Ayn Rand developed as a thinker and writer. To make this possible, the Ayn Rand Archives is digitizing, transcribing, and releasing her manuscripts online. Learn more below 👇

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

What Democratic Socialists Truly Want The DSA published a political program that calls for nationalization and a fundamental transformation of the American government. We analyze this platform and explain why the usual charges of ignorance and hypocrisy are inadequate criticisms of socialism.

What Democratic Socialists Truly Want

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Art Subsidies Are Unjust and a Violation of Free Speech In this episode, we discuss Mamdani’s record $323 million culture budget for NYC aimed at supporting the arts, and why government attempts to fund artistic endeavors are unjust and ineffective in creating thriving conditions for artists.

Art Subsidies Are Unjust and a Violation of Free Speech

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Socialism's Irrational Christian Roots | Dr Ben Bayer Excerpt from "Socialism Everywhere — and No One Wants to Know Why" on The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Marxism is Irrational | Dr Tristan de Liege Excerpt from "Socialism Everywhere — and No One Wants to Know Why" on The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

"Animal Farm" doesn't criticize socialism—it only critiques Stalin while fundamentally defending socialism’s basic premise. By contrast, Ayn Rand’s "Anthem" exposes the deadly moral root of the whole ideology. Explore the contrast with our new article: Anthem versus Animal Farm. Learn more below👇

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Does America Still Have Checks and Balances on Political Power? The American founders created a system of checks and balances. How well do Americans understand that system today, and to what extent does it remain intact? Sam Weaver interviews Onkar Ghate about the American system and threats to it.

Does America Still Have Checks and Balances on Political Power?

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Fueling a Space Renaissance with Capitalism In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, Mike Mazza, author of the new book Freedom to Launch, talks about ideas explored in the essay collection, including the importance of protecting freedom and property rights in the space industry.

Fueling a Space Renaissance with Capitalism

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

ARU Core: Study Ayn Rand's Ideas with Expert Instruction In this episode of The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, Don Watkins, Onkar Ghate, and Keith Lockitch discuss the Institute's recently announced educational program on Objectivism: ARU Core.

ARU Core: Study Ayn Rand's Ideas with Expert Instruction

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

"Lineage Americanism" is Unamerican | Dr Onkar Ghate Excerpt from "Heritage vs Creed: What Actually Makes You an American?" on The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

What is an American? | Dr Onkar Ghate Excerpt from "Heritage vs Creed: What Actually Makes You an American?" on The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Protestantism is Unamerican | Dr Ben Bayer Excerpt from "Heritage vs Creed: What Actually Makes You an American?" on The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Socialism Everywhere — and No One Wants to Know Why In response to recent socialist electoral victories, many are calling for for “moderation” not “extremism.” Why don’t critics want to name what extreme socialism is actually guilty of?

Socialism Everywhere — and No One Wants to Know Why

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Why Philosophy Needs Fiction: The Moral Idealism of Ayn Rand Ayn Rand didn't write stories to lecture; she developed a philosophy to make her ideal heroes possible. Discover how her moral idealism is the foundation for her work, as Onkar Ghate explains in his book, The Moral Idealism of Ayn Rand.

Why Philosophy Needs Fiction: The Moral Idealism of Ayn Rand

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Heritage vs. Creed: What Actually Makes You an American? To be an American is to commit to the way of life enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. To think of it as defined by one’s “heritage” is deeply un-American.

Heritage vs. Creed: What Actually Makes You an American?

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

In 1947, Ayn Rand warned the film industry about the subtle spread of collectivist ideas with her "Screen Guide for Americans". Read Michael S. Berliner’s new afterword to uncover the deep connections between Rand’s passion for film and her political activism. Explore more below 👇

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

America at 250: What Do We Have to Celebrate? 250 years ago, Americans declared independence, giving birth to the United States. Those of us who love the principles on which this nation was founded can be forgiven for wondering if there’s anything left of America to celebrate. In fact, there is.

America at 250: What Do We Have to Celebrate? | Greg Salmieri

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Was Ayn Rand primarily a novelist or a philosopher? According to Rand herself, she was equally both. Discover how her philosophical principles drive the plot and are embodied by the heroes of her novels with Onkar Ghate's new essay collection: The Moral Idealism of Ayn Rand. Learn more below 👇

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

America at 250: Politics, Religion, Morality | Onkar Ghate In this OCON 2026 talk, Dr. Onkar Ghate discusses the Founders' incredible feat, the ways in which it has been corrupted, and what's needed to keep it from slipping away.

America at 250: Politics, Religion, Morality | Onkar Ghate

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Three new mini-books debuted at OCON this summer in New Orleans. Two of these short works, enriched by historical documents from the Ayn Rand Archives, explore Rand’s relationship with America and its ideals, and the third applies these principles to the space industry. Learn more below 👇

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Religion has long maintained an unearned monopoly on morality. As the Vatican tries to shackle AI innovation with faith-based rules, Ben Bayer argues it’s time to reject blind obedience and build a scientific code of ethics instead. Read his analysis👇

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

As the U.S. prepares to mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, too little thought is being given to the moral foundation of its greatness. Onkar Ghate argues that capitalism is (still) an unknown ideal👇 📷: Roy Rochlin / Getty Images Entertainment / via Getty Images

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

"The signers of the Declaration of Independence pledged...to fight a militarily superior enemy...250 years later, the American president signed a 'memorandum of understanding' with Iran — a far weaker and viler enemy." Find out why👇 📷: Shutterstock AI

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Just ahead of our annual Objectivist Summer Conference, we're excited to share highlights from this year's European Student Conference, which we hosted in Porto. Find the link in the first comment 👇 📷: Nick Brundle Photography / Moment / via Getty Images

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

From Sanders to the Trump White House: The Crusade to Control AI In this episode of The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast we discuss two major developments in the AI industry: Bernie Sanders’ proposal for an AI wealth fund and the White House’s order to block access to Anthropic’s newest models.

From Sanders to the Trump White House: The Crusade to Control AI

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Contrary to Donald Trump’s critics calling to “depoliticize” antitrust enforcement, arbitrary antitrust laws have never been objectively enforced. Read Robertas Bakula's analysis👇 📷: Cemile Bingol / DigitalVision Vectors / via Getty Images

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

"The character traits of the great scientist are just supremely clear examples of the character traits of the morally virtuous man or woman. . . . To accept the scientific world view is already to accept a set of values." 📷: bjdlzx / E+ / via Getty Images

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

The Pope’s Screed Against Human Intelligence Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical about AI has been received with near-universal acclaim, even by the tech companies he wants restricted. Why does our culture look for advice about its most advanced technology in primitive mysticism?

The Pope’s Screed Against Human Intelligence

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

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Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

OCON 2026: A Preview of 6 Talks In this special OCON 2026 preview, Elan Journo interviews six ARI intellectuals about the talks they'll be presenting at the conference, which takes place June 26-30 in New Orleans.

OCON 2026: A Preview of 6 Talks

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute

Ayn Rand Institute @aynrandinstitute.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Jeff Bezos Admirably Defends Wealth Creation Jeff Bezos delivers an insightful defense of wealth, demonstrating how one earns a billion dollars and how profitable enterprise drives civilization. We analyze his best pro-freedom arguments while exploring the philosophical pitfalls that remain.

Jeff Bezos Admirably Defends Wealth Creation

YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute