's Articles
Announcements
From the Editor, Winter 2024
Thomas Walker-Werth November 25, 2024
Welcome to the Winter 2024 issue of The Objective Standard. This issue features articles on the architecture of John C. Portman, the vital importance of Ayn Rand's ideas for advocating freedom, the art of Hiroshi Nagai, and more.
Arts & Culture, Biographies, History
‘Make it Something that Enhances Life’: The Architectural Philosophy of John C. Portman
Thomas Walker-Werth November 25, 2024
John Portman designed buildings that amazed visitors and provided businesses with flexible, practical, and impactful spaces. As one memorial put it, his designs took “people away from the congestion of urban life to . . . spaces that are open and uplifting to the human spirit.”
Philosophy, Politics & Rights
Ayn Rand and the Future of Freedom
Jon Hersey November 25, 2024
Facing today’s opponents of liberty without arming oneself with sound answers to their deep, philosophic arguments is like showing up with a knife to a nuclear war.
Arts & Culture
Dreaming of America: The Art of Hiroshi Nagai
Ligeia Rose November 25, 2024
In today's gloomy culture, Hiroshi Nagai’s work is a beacon of optimism—a reminder of the beauty man is capable of creating and the serenity that is his to achieve.
Arts & Culture
Mark Knopfler: Sultan of Song
Jon Hersey November 25, 2024
Mark Knopfler says of his craft, “if you’ve energized somebody . . . or you’ve sensitized somebody, you’ve made a difference.” In a body of work spanning nearly five decades, the Sultan of Song has continued to do just that: sensitize listeners to the drama of the oft overlooked.
Announcements, LevelUp News
LevelUp Europe and You
Jackson Upmann November 14, 2024
Please join us for LevelUp Europe 2025 in Sofia, Bulgaria, April 11–13! LevelUp is a conference for people who want to thrive in life and support freedom on solid ground.
Arts & Culture, Reviews
Star Trek: Prodigy, created by Kevin and Dan Hageman
Thomas Walker-Werth October 31, 2024
At a time when few children make it to adulthood “with their wonder and enthusiasm for science intact,” shows such as Star Trek: Prodigy are vital for teaching young people the values of science and curiosity.
Announcements, LevelUp News
LevelUp 2025 Is for You!
Jackson Upmann October 24, 2024
“First, think. Second, dream. Third, believe. And finally, dare.” This was Walt Disney’s advice. And he took it—which is why his dreams became reality. Are you thinking, dreaming, believing, daring? Could you improve in these areas? What would happen if you did? Come find out at LevelUp 2025: Ideas for Thriving.
History, Reviews
Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space by Adam Higginbotham
Timothy Sandefur October 9, 2024
None of the millions of people who witnessed the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986 will ever forget the wave of shock and grief that swept over the United States, and the world, on that day. To read Adam Higginbotham’s new account of the Challenger heroes is to be overwhelmed by a powerful sense of awe and astonishment.
Arts & Culture, Politics & Rights
The Obscenity of Banning Books
Angelica Walker-Werth August 27, 2024
Granting governments the ability to violate intellectual freedom by banning books from schools doesn’t help or protect anyone. It is an obscene way of stunting developing minds at a crucial juncture of life and handing the state yet another tool for controlling us.
Announcements
From the Editor, Fall 2024
Thomas Walker-Werth August 20, 2024
Welcome to the Fall 2024 issue of The Objective Standard, featuring articles on defending Western civilization, the music of Antonin Dvořák, the achievements of John Quincy Adams, and the injustice of cryptocurrency regulation.
History, Politics & Rights
The Case for Western Civilization
Andrew Bernstein August 20, 2024
Western civilization is the most life-giving culture of history. All human beings who care about human life on Earth—regardless of their race or gender—morally must celebrate this life-advancing civilization.
Arts & Culture, History
The Song of the New World
Timothy Sandefur August 20, 2024
Antonin Dvořák managed to capture a beautifully American sense of life: the moment of dawning opportunity, the first glimpse of the potential for triumph, of the chance to prevail that has always been the New World’s greatest gift.
History, Politics & Rights
John Quincy Adams and the Sacred Fire of Liberty
Tom Malone August 20, 2024
John Quincy Adams was a fount of moral courage who helped his country establish a noninterventionist foreign policy, end the War of 1812, defeat the “slaveocracy’s” gag rule, secure freedom for the Amistad captives, and give national prominence to the abolitionist cause.
Economics, Politics & Rights
The War on Crypto
Michael Dahlen August 20, 2024
The government’s illegal de-bankings, unprecedented sanctions, unwarranted prosecutions, and endless, indiscriminate enforcement actions have sent a clear message to crypto innovators: You are not welcome here. Rather than allow a young, burgeoning industry to develop, the government aims to crush it.