Essay competition aims to promote novelist's spirit
An essay contest based on the books of renowned novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand has been launched.
The annual contest, open to secondary school and university students, is organised by the Ayn Rand Institute (ARI). Professor Andrew Bernstein, senior writer and lecturer at ARI, was in town earlier this month to promote the contest and address the Hong Kong Objective Philosophy of Ayn Rand Study Club.
The contest is divided into three categories: the 9th essay contest on the author's novelette Anthem, targeted at Form Three and Four students; the 16th essay contest on the novel The Fountainhead, targeted at Form Five and Six students; and the 3rd essay contest on the novel Atlas Shrugged, targeted at Form Seven students and university students.
Cash prizes will be awarded. The first prize winner in each category will receive US$2,000 (HK$15,580), US$10,000 and US$1,000 respectively. The contest offers a total of US$72,000 cash prizes.
Russian-born Rand devoted herself to writing from the age of nine. She was opposed to the mysticism and collectivism of Russian culture and took America as her model of what a nation of free men could be.
Rand promoted objectivism. She moved to the United States at the age of 21 and published her first novel, We The Living, in 1936. The Fountainhead, published in 1943, and Atlas Shrugged, published in 1957, brought her international fame.
Her novels created a big impact on American culture. The contest draws thousands of entrants each year.
Professor Bernstein said although there were a lot of differences between American and Chinese cultures, there were also many similarities.
'People in the US and in Hong Kong want prosperity. They want to make money and be wealthy,' he said.
'Rand's philosophy is highly individualistic. She encourages people to use their mind, be hard-working and use the money they make, disregarding race and nationality.
'She also promotes internationalism and free trade. There should be no boundaries among countries, allowing immigration back and forth and trading back and forth.'
Participants can select one of three topics listed on the Web site for each category. Essays will be judged mainly on style and content.
Professor Bernstein said participants should fully understand the questions and try to stick to them.
The deadline for the contest on Anthem is April 2; for The Fountainhead, April 16, and Atlas Shrugged, March 1. Essays can be submitted by e-mail or mail.
