Ayn Rand Institute Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest 2024 ($25,000 prize)

Applications are now open for the Ayn Rand Institute Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest 2024, an exciting opportunity for aspiring writers and thinkers to engage with one of the most influential works of modern literature. This contest features a unique format, with new seasonal entry rounds occurring every three months, each accompanied by its own distinctive essay prompt. These prompts are carefully crafted to encourage participants to delve deeper into the novel’s central themes, characters, and philosophical underpinnings, fostering critical thinking and personal reflection. By exploring the complexities of Ayn Rand’s ideas, contestants will not only enhance their understanding of the book but also engage in a broader conversation about individualism, capitalism, and the role of government in society. Participants have the flexibility to compete in any or all of the entry rounds, allowing for multiple opportunities to showcase their insights and writing skills. Whether you are a seasoned essayist or a newcomer eager to explore your thoughts on Rand’s work, this contest invites you to articulate your perspective in a meaningful way. Join the ranks of past competitors and contribute your voice to this vibrant intellectual community, while also vying for the chance to win substantial cash prizes. Don’t miss this opportunity to challenge yourself and connect with others who share a passion for literature and philosophical inquiry!

Winter Prompt: The story of the Twentieth Century Motor Company is about how a private business and its employees voluntarily decide to adopt a supposedly moral plan. What are the ideas, especially the moral ideas, that lead to the company’s destruction? How can we see these ideas at work in business, culture, or politics today? Explain how you think their consequences will be similar to, and/or different from those suffered by the Twentieth Century Motor Company.

Prizes of Ayn Rand Institute

• Annual Grand Prize: $25,000
• First Prize: $3,000
• Second Prize: $2,000
• Third Prize: $1,000

Check : Forge Prize 2025 for Architects in the U.S. ($10,000 prize)

Eligibility

• Open to all high school, college, and graduate students worldwide.
• Essays must be written in English only and be between 800 and 1,600 words in length.

Judging Criteria

• Essays are judged on whether the student is able to justify and argue for his or her view, not on whether the Institute agrees with the view the student expresses:
  • Clarity
  • Organization
  • Understanding
  • On Topic
• Their graders look for writing that is clear, articulate, and logically organized. Essays should stay on topic, address all parts of the selected prompt, and interrelate the ideas and events in the novel.
• Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of Atlas Shrugged.

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