Ayn Rand Lecture 2026: A Rational Life with Madsen Pirie
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 Lord Lilley.
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 Lord Lilley.
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.
Lord Lilley (Moderator): British Conservative politician and former Member of Parliament who served from 1983 to 2017. During his parliamentary career, he held prominent Cabinet roles, including Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under Margaret Thatcher and Secretary of State for Social Security under John Major. He also served as Shadow Chancellor and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party from 1997 to 1999.
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