Objectivism Theory and Practice
A Week in Atlantis, June 29 - July 6, 2002

“It was the highlight of my summer.” “Positively loved every moment.” “It’s a blast! I am already looking forward to next year.” These were just a few of the enthusiastic responses from those who attended The Objectivist Center’s Summer Seminar last year. They echo hundreds of rave reviews we’ve received over the past twelve years from participants who praise our annual conference for its matchless intellectual offerings and exciting social opportunities. On June 29, 2002, this tradition continues on the beautiful campus of UCLA, when the Center kicks off its thirteenth Summer Seminar.

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What is the Summer Seminar?

It's a week-long exploration of the many facets of Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism…from its broadest applications to its most subtle implications, from the inspirational qualities of Rand's fiction to the detailed architecture of her intellectual system.

It's a place where you can take full courses in Objectivism from knowledgeable experts…or listen to provocative lectures on controversial political and cultural topics…or attend practical, hands-on workshops in psychology, writing, acting, dancing, even diet and exercise…or experience thrilling evening performances in the arts.

It's a place where you can socialize with some of the brightest, most exciting and stimulating people you'll ever meet…where you'll live in a close community of enthusiastic, talented men and women who share your ideas and values…and where you'll find new friends and forge relationships that will last a lifetime.

Finally—it's the perfect summer getaway, in one of the world's greatest cities. Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, with something for the entire family. You can enjoy breath-taking studio tours, great restaurants, exciting nightclubs, renowned museums and galleries, or the dazzling Pacific beaches. From the Santa Monica pier to Disneyland, from the thrill rides at Universal Studios to the quiet elegance of the Getty Museum, the greater Los Angeles area offers you countless vacation options.

This is a conference as it might and ought to be. This is a thinking person's vacation.

—Damian Moskovitz

All this, plus convenient, comfortable accommodations on one of the nation's most beautiful campuses. Located in the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles, UCLA boasts superb classroom, cultural, and recreational facilities. It's the perfect site for a conference that aims to provide its participants nothing but the best in education and enjoyment.

The sheer magic of TOC's Summer Seminar has beckoned past participants to return again and again.

"This was my fifth seminar," says Iraida Botshteyn, "so I'd say to someone: If you go once, you'll come again." Philosophy student Jason Walker agrees: "You cannot go and fail to have the time of your life." Another veteran attendee, Greg Perkins, adds, "I can't think of a better way to spend my July 4th week!"

And from the opening picnic to the closing banquet and dance, The Objectivist Center's capable staff does everything possible to make the Summer Seminar a week you'll always remember and treasure.

Student Life at the Conference

The Summer Seminar began as a small, intense gathering of graduate students and faculty. It has expanded in all directions since then, but it remains the premier Objectivist conference for students. Each year generous TOC supporters contribute to our Scholarship Fund, making it possible for many students with limited resources to enjoy the seminar. And there is so much to enjoy! "The intellectual caliber of both the participants and the lecturers was outstanding—some of the sharpest minds I have ever met," says University of Colorado student Heather Demarest. You can study Objectivist philosophy all week long—or turn your attention to cultural issues and art. You will learn by day from the lectures and workshops, and then cut your teeth in late night discussions working out your own ideas—alongside the seminar faculty.

The seminar also offers special events for students, such as the Advanced Seminar or the career panels with established Objectivist scholars and professionals, for those considering their next step in life. And then there are the parties, the dancing, the day-trips, and other social events. Spend a week with us in Los Angeles, and see what an Objectivist university can and should be!

Conference Life

What a week can and should be: It's almost impossible to convey the overall experience of the Summer Seminar to anyone who hasn't attended. "Seminar" suggests days filled with classroom lectures—and certainly the Summer Seminar offers challenging and inspiring presentations from some of the finest speakers you'll find anywhere.

"The Summer Seminar," says 2001 participant Brent Turner, "comprises everything good about attending a university (scholarship, discourse, collegiality), with none of the bad (dogma, final exams, grades)." Jay Friedenberg said, "You can't discuss a broader range of topics with a more talented group of individuals anywhere." Chris Freiman, a 2001 student scholarship recipient, put it this way: "It was everything I hoped for and more. I learned more in one week here than in one year at college."

But lectures and presentations are only a part of the experience. Over the years, the Summer Seminar has evolved into more than an educational opportunity: it's become a cultural experience, as well: an event where you discover what it means to live in a thriving Objectivist community. There's plenty of time for socializing, and abundant opportunities for recreation and entertainment on campus and in the surrounding area.

"The social aspect was much more valuable than I expected," said newcomer Michael Reasoner. "I came here expecting to be by myself, as I usually am—but instead, I met really great, interesting people." "It feels like I've known these people for years," observed Damian Moskovitz, who ran evening dance classes. "I feel so close to them so quickly that I frequently forget that I just met them."

The conference's relaxed, informal atmosphere makes meeting new people easy and fun. Over the years, it has become a place where friendships, business partnerships, romances, even marriages have blossomed!

Charles Backman found the atmosphere intoxicating: "I never imagined I could be surrounded by a group of such excellent people—a place where absolutely everyone I talk to is smart and fun and interesting." Brian Schmidt agrees. "I was challenged intellectually and comfortable socially. The lectures were lively and exciting and the social interaction was just great." Ilana Dover told us, "It was a great combination of a stimulating intellectual experience and an intensely joyous gathering of fun-loving, intelligent, value-seeking individuals."

The fun begins on the first afternoon you arrive, with a special welcoming reception for newcomers. The Center's staff will meet and greet you, and tell you what the week has in store for you. Immediately afterwards you'll join hundreds of fellow participants from all over the world at our traditional opening day picnic, held outdoors on the campus grounds. It's your first opportunity to mingle, meet people, and—if you're a conference veteran—greet old friends, while enjoying a hearty meal of picnic fare.

That evening—and each night of the week—you can wander into the Common Room, the informal gathering place and center of evening socializing. Over refreshments, you'll get to know your fellow participants, question staff members and faculty, and debate issues raised in the day's presentations. Or in a more secluded spot you can strum a guitar, organize a group sing-along, or stroll outside under the stars with someone special.

[The] Summer Seminar is gratifying socially, elevating intellectually, broadening professionally, satisfying aesthetically - challenging and rewarding in every respect.

—Stephen Moses

While most days are filled with formal lectures, there are also several hands-on workshops where you can learn new insights and practical skills. Or maybe you have a special skill—or an insight or talent that you'd like to share? An original theory? A challenging argument? A unique performance? Each day, we set aside time and space for Participant-Sponsored Sessions, allowing you a free and open platform for your own presentation.

There's also plenty of free time for you to use the campus athletic and recreational facilities—and we leave Wednesday open for you to explore the boundless offerings in the Los Angeles area. Take a trip to Disneyland or Universal Studios…or perhaps a tour of local architecture. Hit the beach for sun and surfing, then taste the pulsating Los Angeles nightlife.

On Thursday evening, the Center's top contributors gather for an elegant Sponsors Dinner—our annual celebration of the Center's achievements and impact. And the week comes to a rousing finish on Friday night at our gala Closing Banquet and Dance. It's a time to unwind, dress up, feast on great food, and dance the night away.

For past participants, the Summer Seminar has become an emotional tonic, a much-anticipated high point in their year.

"Everyone needs to charge their intellectual batteries at least once a year," says Frank Bryan, "and this is the place to do it." Eneas Biglione called last year's event "an unforgettable week of intellectual ammunition and friendship—a highly important experience in [my] life." And Donald Parrish described it as "a life-altering experience, triggered by intellectual stimulation, friendship, and the discovery of more of life's possibilities." And he added "Don't miss it!"

We agree. Discover for yourself what has made The Objectivist Center's annual Summer Seminar a "must" for hundreds of admirers of Ayn Rand and her ideas. Discover why so many have described it as being "like a week in Atlantis."

Join us in Los Angeles June 29 for a week of ideas and inspiration, fun and fellowship. Enroll for the Summer Seminar today!