free objectivist books for students
DESCRIPTION
Free Objectivist Books is a website where you can sponsor books for students who have pledged to read them. Already over 100 donors have sponsored over 500 books. This info session was given during OCON 2012 to tell people about the impact we're having and how you can get involved. http://freeobjectivistbooks.org/TRANSCRIPT
Free Objectivist Books for Students
Changing the world, one mind at a time
Do you have extra Ayn Rand books sitting on the shelf?
Or in your basement, or in the attic, or...
Free Objectivist Books
StudentsGet any Ayn Rand novel or book about Objectivism for free. You just have to pledge to read it
SponsorsGive the gift of Objectivism to eager young minds—it only takes a few minutes and a few dollars
How it began
Launched January 2012
500 students
Across the country...
41 countries from Australia to Zimbabwe
... and around the world
Representing top schools
Brandeis University
Columbia University
Cornell University
George Mason University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Johns Hopkins University
McGill University
New York University
Northwestern University
Princeton University
Stanford University
University of California at Berkeley
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Michigan
University of Texas at Austin
University of Virginia
600 book requests200 for Atlas Shrugged alone
100 sponsors
500 books donated
How it works
Eager MindsElizabeth Van Pelt wants to read Atlas Shrugged
Studying law at Stanford University
I have wanted to read this book for some time now, ever since there was an extended debate about it on the law school's listserve. I would like to know more about Objectivism and the Objectivist movement.
Eager MindsHassan Fadel wants to read The Virtue of Selfishness
Studying neuroscience at Michigan State University
As an aspiring physician, I have always objected against others’ claim to a doctors work and life. I have always believed that doctors, and people in general, have the right to be “selfish” in defense and advancement of their lives. I would love to read The Virtue of Selfishness to further my understanding on how I should approach my life, my work, and my ultimate happiness.
Eager MindsAbir Mandal wants to read Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal
Studying economics at Clemson University
I had the good fortune of attending the Moral Foundations of Capitalism conference at Clemson this year and the lecturers referred back to this book very often. This has got me eager to read the actual text.
Eager MindsDalante Castle wants to read Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand
Student at Amesbury High School in Amesbury, MA
It was recommended by a friend who is the head of the New England Objectivist Society. He is trying to introduce me to the ideas of Ayn Rand, and I figured I'd give it a shot since I'm always up for the expanding of knowledge.
How to Sponsor
You browse student requests
You choose whom to sponsor
You send the books directly
You get a personal response
Personal Thank-yous“Thank you so much for sending me Anthem. I'm around 30 pages in and I can barely put it down to accomplish any of my school work!”
Hannah Favre, studying psychology at Troy University, to Steve Henderson in Belleville, MI
Personal Thank-yous“Thank you so much for the chance to read this. Objectivism has become integral to my beliefs, its ideals resonating and articulating so much of what I already thought, but was too afraid to express, afraid that I was alone. Rand has given me a sense of freedom and confidence, and I think that reading more will only cause that to increase.”
Robert Bailey, studying English literature at Aberystwyth University, to Bruno Sementilli in Connecticut
Real Impact“A truly inspirational book, and more relevant than ever”
Carlos Buitrago, student at George Mason University, on Atlas Shrugged
“An incredible defense of capitalism”
Jeff Cooper, studying Information Technology at South University in Novi, Michigan, on Atlas Shrugged
“A life-changing series of essays”
Zack, studying Electrical Engineering at ITT in Cincinnati, on The Virtue of Selfishness
Real Impact“Atlas Shrugged is one of the most interesting and thought provoking books I have ever read. The ideas in the book continue to occupy my mind and I have been able to tie them to discussions in my economics and English classes.”
Andrew Behnke, studying mechanical engineering at Northern Illinois University
Real Impact“One of the greatest books I've ever read, it was always hard for me to express myself, my convictions.... Now my thoughts are clear, I'm able to stand on my principles and defend them more efficiently”
Fayssal El Yachouti, Institut de Technologie Hotelierre et Touristique in Morocco, after reading Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal
Real Impact“Atlas Shrugged is the most inspirational book I ever read. Rand's philosophy of living life is practical and real, and is not to be found elsewhere.”
Tom Sewe, studying medicine at University of Nairobi in Kenya
Real Impact“This book couldn't have been more insightful or more relevant... if everyone in America could read and fully comprehend this book I'm convinced that our debt crisis would disappear. Thank you for providing me the chance to be introduced to such a work of genius.”
Kristen Hansen, studying political science at Brigham Young University, after reading Atlas Shrugged
Real Impact“I was close to highlighting the whole book. Highly recommended to everyone—no exceptions. Can't wait to read more of her work. Ayn may have the most rational philosophical basis of thought to ever grace mankind.”
Alexandra Schafer, studying art education at Arcadia University, after reading The Romantic Manifesto
Real Impact“I just discovered how much we need the idea of ‘I’ to free the world.”
Arda Akcicek, studying political science at Hacettepe University in Turkey, after reading Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand
Real Impact“Atlas Shrugged is one of a handful of novels that is not only an amazing read, but also forces you to question your personal philosophy. I am proud to say that after completing Atlas Shrugged, I went on to read most of Rand's work and I can label myself as a true Objectivist.”
Hassan Fadel, studying neuroscience at Michigan State University
Over 97%would recommend the book to others
82 out of 84 who responded, out of 105 total polled
Can’t these kids afford a few dollars for a book?
Will more students read Ayn Rand because
of my sponsorship?
Can’t these kids afford a few dollars for a book?
Why Sponsor
Students are ripe for Objectivism
Leverages Rand’s original works
You choose the students
You get a personal followup
Convenient & affordable
No overhead
What sponsors are saying“It's very enjoyable to pick from your website's list of requests—often creatively written, coming from around the world, showing an authentic interest in greater exposure to Ayn Rand—one's favorites to send copies to. And very rewarding to receive signs of that greater exposure in the thank-you letters recipients regularly send.”
Dr. Allan Gotthelf, Visiting Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh
“What a great idea to get Ayn Rand’s ideas to young minds who might never have had the opportunity to read her writings.... you will be an inspiration for more Objectivists to get involved in the spread of Objectivism.”
Peter LePort, MD; Owner, LePort Schools; Board of Directors, Ayn Rand Institute and Americans for Free Choice in Medicine
Free Objectivist Books lets you give Ayn Rand's words to eager young minds
and get a direct, personal response
http://freeobjectivistbooks.org