In the heart of Tbilisi, amid the narrow streets where centuries of culture meet the energy of modern change, a quiet intellectual revolution is underway. Led by Irakli Iagorashvili and Dato Rogava, the Ayn Rand Center Georgia (ARCG) is bringing new life to the ideas of reason, individualism, and freedom—and introducing Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism to a generation eager to think for itself.
For Irakli and Dato, both young intellectuals shaped by Georgia’s post-Soviet transformation, Ayn Rand’s writings offer more than theory; they offer a vision of human potential. “In a society still learning to define freedom,” Irakli once said, “Objectivism gives people the confidence to take ownership of their lives and values.”
Supported by Prometheus Foundation, ARCG has become a hub of curiosity and creativity—an incubator for ideas that challenge collectivist habits and celebrate the power of the individual mind.
From Conversations to Community
It began with a simple idea: create a place where anyone could talk openly about ideas. The project became RANDezvous—a series of warm, informal gatherings that blend lectures, movie nights, and spirited debates. In a country where philosophy is often confined to classrooms, RANDezvous feels different: a place of energy and connection, where students, entrepreneurs, and artists explore Rand’s vision of reason and purpose in life.
For those seeking deeper engagement, the Objectivism Dinner Club offers an intimate forum. Around a shared table, a handful of participants discuss one of Rand’s essays each month, testing their ideas against one another in a spirit of mutual respect. These evenings have become a quiet tradition—a proving ground for future Objectivist thought leaders in Georgia.
Bringing Philosophy to Life
If RANDezvous gives people the space to talk, Virtues in Action helps them see Objectivism in motion. This ambitious series of short documentary films portrays real Georgians who live by Objectivist virtues such as independence, integrity, and productivity. Each story—crafted with cinematic care—shows how moral ideals translate into practical achievements.
Meanwhile, the “Randicals” initiative turns philosophy into creative activism. Through performances, art installations, and “Change My Mind” discussions, young Objectivists tackle current social and political questions from the standpoint of reason and individual rights. Whether in a small theater or a public square, Randicals events make Ayn Rand’s ideas visible, thought provoking, and alive.
Reaching New Audiences
A major breakthrough came when ARCG partnered with university libraries and American Corners to launch the Ayn Rand Shelves project. Each shelf—clearly marked with Rand’s name—offers students direct access to her novels and essays. For many, these books are their first encounter with a radically different moral vision.
Irakli’s connection to American Corners goes back to his teenage years, when he interned at one of their regional centers. Later, as a lecturer, he found creative ways to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas within the framework of American founding principles—individual liberty, rational self-interest, and limited government. “Even within cautious institutions,” he recalls, “you can open space for real thinking. Young people respond to honesty and clarity.”
Growing the Movement
Beyond Tbilisi, ARCG brings its message to towns across Georgia through regional meetings, where lectures, discussions, and lively quizzes introduce Objectivism to new audiences. Winners of the quizzes often leave not only with a book by Ayn Rand but with the spark of an idea that might change a life.
The Center’s Objectivist Mini-Grant Program is helping spread such sparks even further. By funding small community initiatives, ARCG enables motivated individuals in Georgia’s regions to organize their own Objectivist talks, reading groups, or cultural projects—creating a genuine grassroots network of independent minds.
Living Philosophy
ARCG’s portfolio of projects—from its “Two Things: Takeaways from Objectivism” interview series to its workplace seminars on Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal—shares a common goal: to show that ideas matter. For Irakli Iagorashvili and Dato Rogava, Objectivism is not a distant philosophy but a living force for progress and self-realization.
In just a few years, the Ayn Rand Center Georgia has transformed from a small circle of enthusiasts into a national voice for rational thought. With the continued support of Prometheus Foundation, its founders are proving that even in a world of uncertainty, the light of reason still draws people together—one conversation, one film, and one courageous idea at a time.
