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Ayn Rand Lecture 2026: A Rational Life with Madsen Pirie

  • Adam Smith Institute 23 Great Smith Street London SW1P 3DJ United Kingdom (map)

Ayn Rand Lecture 2026

Join us for our annual Ayn Rand Lecture 2026 with Madsen Pirie on Monday, 26th October.

Join the Adam Smith Institute for the annual Ayn Rand Lecture 2026, featuring ASI President and Co-founder Dr. Madsen Pirie, moderated by GB News Deputy Political Editor Tom Harwood.

About the Lecture

Reflecting on 'A Rational Life', Dr. Madsen Pirie will draw on his distinguished career and Randian philosophy to explore the importance of self-reliance, personal excellence, and individual liberty. 

Following his recent viral appearance on The School Of Hard Knockz where he shared his wit and wisdom with the younger generation, Madsen will share his practical and philosophical insights on living rationally in the modern world. 

The key note address will be followed by a Q&A moderated by Tom Harwood. 

Audience questions should be submitted in advance to sebastian@adamsmith.org. Please include your name and organisation in the email.

Speakers

  • Dr. Madsen Pirie: President and Co-founder of the Adam Smith Institute. A graduate of Edinburgh, St Andrews, and Cambridge, Dr. Pirie previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives and on the UK Prime Minister’s Advisory Panel (1991–95). As a pioneer of market-choice policies and privatization, he has authored numerous books, including How to Win Every Argument, Micropolitics, and 101 Great Philosophers.

  • Tom Harwood (Moderator): Deputy Political Editor for GB News, reporting live from Westminster. Formerly a senior reporter for Guido Fawkes, Tom's writing spans The Spectator, The Telegraph, and The Daily Mail.

A bit more about these lectures:

Every year, the Adam Smith Institute hosts the Ayn Rand Lecture to commemorate the work and thought of Ayn Rand. One of the most important writers in liberal thought, Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism and her literary contributions have been instrumental in making the case for self-reliance, personal excellence and individualism.

Housekeeping:

Date: Monday, 26th October 2026

Schedule

6pm Drinks reception & networking

7pm Lecture and Q&A

8pm Further refreshments & networking

9pm Ends

Dress code: Smart (lounge suits/business wear)

Venue: Drapers' Hall, Throgmorton Ave, London EC2N 2DQ

Refreshments provided

If you have specific allergies/dietary requirements, please email info@adamsmith.org

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The Next Generation with Baroness Fox of Buckley