This weekend, I attended my first Objectivist convention, ATLOScon, sponsored by the Atlanta Objectivist Society. In short: Wow.

I attended lectures from 2 pm Friday until 5:30 Saturday. While some were more intellectual than others, all were thoughtfully prepared, and thought provoking. The majority of the attendees were members of the Atlanta Objectivist Society, but those of us unknown to them prior to this weekend, were made most welcome. Attendees were from Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Colorado, and California; the best represented state outside of Georgia was North Carolina.

Saturday evening, I attended a social at the home of one of the ALTOS members. There was a large crowd and I wondered from group to group, mostly listening but occasionally participating in the various discussions. Throughout the entire evening, and dozens of conversations, I heard no mention of sports, and very little mention of politics and other small talk typical of similar social events. I did hear discussions of values, of morality, of logic and reason, and of science. The intellectual challenge and stimulation of the entire weekend was most enjoyable.

The organizers and everyone involved did a great job in all facets. This was a weekend well spent… quite a contrast to any political convention I have attended.