Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The events of Atlas Shrugged famously start on September 2, commemorating the day in 1946 on which Rand drafted the opening scene. In celebration of Atlas Shrugged day, as it has come to be called, the Ayn Rand Institute is proud to debut a new, high-quality release of this historic lecture.
In this video, ARI archivists Audra Hilse and Brandon Lisi, along with literature professor and Ayn Rand expert Shoshana Milgram, provide exclusive behind-the-scenes context and commentary. They discuss Ayn Rand’s relationship with the Ford Hall Forum, her method of gathering data and why she titles the talk in the form of a question. This commentary provides a richer understanding of both the historical moment and the timeless principles of Rand’s philosophy.
In “Is Atlas Shrugging?,” Rand diagnoses the cultural and philosophical forces dragging society downward—and boldly answers the question: “What can save us?”
"Is Atlas Shrugging?" youtu.be/uphRYS8YVWM
Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video:
youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AynRandInstitute
Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand Institute app:
– App Store itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-rand-university/id1452535178?mt=8
– Google Play play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aynrandu
ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
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Subscribe to the ARI Live! podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ayn-rand-institute-live/id1440399458
******
Join an upcoming virtual or in-person event: ari.aynrand.org/events
Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: ari.aynrand.org
The events of Atlas Shrugged famously start on September 2, commemorating the day in 1946 on which Rand drafted the opening scene. In celebration of Atlas Shrugged day, as it has come to be called, the Ayn Rand Institute is proud to debut a new, high-quality release of this historic lecture.
In this video, ARI archivists Audra Hilse and Brandon Lisi, along with literature professor and Ayn Rand expert Shoshana Milgram, provide exclusive behind-the-scenes context and commentary. They discuss Ayn Rand’s relationship with the Ford Hall Forum, her method of gathering data and why she titles the talk in the form of a question. This commentary provides a richer understanding of both the historical moment and the timeless principles of Rand’s philosophy.
In “Is Atlas Shrugging?,” Rand diagnoses the cultural and philosophical forces dragging society downward—and boldly answers the question: “What can save us?”
"Is Atlas Shrugging?" youtu.be/uphRYS8YVWM
Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video:
youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AynRandInstitute
Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand Institute app:
– App Store itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-rand-university/id1452535178?mt=8
– Google Play play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aynrandu
ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
******
Keep in Touch! Sign up to receive email updates from ARI: aynrand.org/signup
Follow ARI on Twitter: twitter.com/AynRandInst
Follow ARI on Facebook: facebook.com/AynRandInstitute
Follow ARI on Instagram: instagram.com/aynrandorg
Subscribe to the ARI Live! podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ayn-rand-institute-live/id1440399458
******
Join an upcoming virtual or in-person event: ari.aynrand.org/events
Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: ari.aynrand.org
