THE BOY WHO STOOD ALONE

by Roberto Diego

Price $5.95

15-year old Jonathon Payne has done a very bad thing. And his parents are livid. A few weeks ago, he read Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and now he has announced that he is an atheist.

This new drama by Mr. Diego asks the questions, are there limits to intellectual independence for children? What are the parents' responsibilities when a child decides to take his own course intellectually rather than follow the ideas provided by the dominant culture? How far can the child go? How far can the parents go? This challenging play asks important questions and suggests that our children have the right to think for themselves. Below is the full text of the play.

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THE BOY WHO STOOD ALONE

ROBERTO DIEGO

BY ROBERTO DIEGO

PORTION OF THIS PLAY IS PROHIBITED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN

CONSENT OF THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER.

THE AUTHOR WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AN INTELLECTUAL DEBT

TO AYN RAND WHOSE WRITINGS FORM THE BASIS OF THE OBJECTIVIST PHILOSOPHY. HOWEVER, HE ALONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF THAT PHILOSOPHY AS PORTRAYED IN THIS PLAY.

THIS PLAY IS DEDICATED TO

MY CHILDREN

AND GRANDCHILDREN

FOR HERE WE ARE NOT AFRAID

TO FOLLOW TRUTH WHEREVER IT MAY LEAD...

-THOMAS JEFFERSON

THE BOY WHO STOOD ALONE

CHARACTERS:

JONNY PAYNE

HILLARY ROBERTS

ANDREW PAYNE

COLLEEN PAYNE

DONALD GOLDSTEIN

RONNIE PHILLIPS

ABRAHAM GOLDSTEIN

FATHER JONES

ALLAN ROBERTS

ANGELA ROBERTS

WILLIAM JACOBS

RICHARD SALIMON

ANDY TIBBS

ACT 1. SCENE I

SETTING: A High School yard in Bloomington, Indiana. It is a sunny day after school. Several students are sitting on the grass eating lunch at the park adjacent to the school. On the school building are the words, "BLOOMINGTON HIGH." In the park, there is a tree and a bench. On the bench sits JONNY PAYNE, a high school junior, age 16. He is reading his History text book.

JONNY Hmmmm. (He reads for a few more seconds – thoughtful look)

ENTER RONNIE PHILLIPS. (She gives him a kiss on the cheek as she arrives)

RONNIE Hi, Honey. (She looks at History book) You’re five chapters ahead in that book. (She waits for his acknowledgment) Hello? (After a few seconds, she grabs the book out of his hands) Hello!

JONNY Sorry. I was reading about the Second World War. What a time that was. Lunatics like Hitler---and what they did.

RONNIE I love you.

JONNY Do you know how many millions died in concentration camps?

RONNIE Didn't you hear what I said?

JONNY What?

RONNIE I said I love you.

JONNY I know that. Of course you do. This is more important(She pouts). Wonder if it could happen again?

RONNIE Not here at Bloomington High I'm sure. I don't think the principal is that kind of guy. I worry about some of the profs at IU though. Hey, you've been on this subject for months. What about today, us?

JONNY That's what I'm thinking about. Dad’s generation had Vietnam. What will we have? What about my children?

RONNIE Honey! You won't have children the way you're going. Why don't you drop it? Just think about us. What's wrong with having fun?

JONNY Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot. Being a teenager means never being serious. (She sighs) Don't you care about important issues?

RONNIE The Nazis are too far away and long ago. They don't touch us today. Besides, we're free.

JONNY But they do touch us. My Grandfather fought in World War II. Donald's Grandfather escaped from a concentration camp. His parents were gassed to death. People need to know about these things. Otherwise, they can't prevent them from happening again.

RONNIE I think you're turning into a nerd.

JONNY Great!! Your Grandfather was an intelligence officer during the Korean War. Don't joke about it.

RONNIE (Thoughtfully) I know. But, you haven't asked me out this weekend.

JONNY Is that all?

RONNIE Yes, that's "all."

JONNY (smiling) OK. Movie Saturday night?

RONNIE Great. But call me Friday.

JONNY You know I spend Friday night reading.

RONNIE We'll talk for a little while. O.K.?

JONNY O.K.

RONNIE Thanks, dear. Call me tonight?

JONNY (Laughing) O.K.

RONNIE Bye.

JONNY Bye. (They kiss. JONNY continues reading for a few minutes. ENTER DONALD GOLDSTEIN, excitedly)

DONALD Oh, man, that new girl? Do you have any classes with her?

JONNY (Still in his book) Hmmm. I wonder.

DONALD Jonny? (To himself) Still in his history book. (To JONNY) Jonny!

JONNY Oh, Hi, Don. What's up?

DONALD Have you seen the new girl? Do you have any classes with her?

JONNY Can't say I've noticed any new girl. Are you interested in her?

DONALD Yes!

JONNY Is she...

DONALD Awesome. Black hair, blue eyes, great body, but I hear she's some sort of special student. Really bright.

JONNY Hmmm...(Drifting back to his book)

DONALD You bet.

JONNY You know, most guys wouldn't be interested in a girl like that. (Forcing himself back)

DONALD We're not talking about Ronnie are we?

JONNY Ronnie's all right. Not studious but "bright." (They both laugh)

DONALD A couple of bookworms, you two.

JONNY I really like her.

DONALD You like that book. You're five chapters ahead. What's so interesting?

JONNY I'm trying to understand what caused Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia.

DONALD Why don't we talk to my Granddad? He escaped from a camp in Poland. Maybe he can tell us.

JONNY O.K. Is he home now?

DONALD Sure. Let's go to my house.

EXIT RONNIE and DONALD

CURTAIN

ACT 1. SCENE II

SETTING: A contemporary family kitchen with a table in middle of room, cabinets, counter, refrigerator, and various kitchen knives on wall. A door to the left. Another door from the living room on the right.

ENTER JONNY and DONALD.

JONNY Where does he spend his evenings?

DONALD In his library. Dad set up a special room in the basement so he could read in private. Wait, here he comes. We can talk to him here. (ENTER ABRAHAM GOLDSTEIN. He is holding a book.) Hello, Grandfather. How are you tonight?

ABRAHAM Don't ask.

DONALD Arthritis again?

ABRAHAM Of course.

DONALD Grandfather, Jonny and I would like to ask you some questions--about the camps.

ABRAHAM Something you are lucky not to have lived through. What interest do you have in the camps? (He sits at the kitchen table. The boys join him there.)

JONNY Well, Mr. Goldstein, I've been reading about the concentration camps and murders by the Nazis.

ABRAHAM We should not forget. I, of course, will never forget. I was a young man then. I was taken there with my parents. They were gassed to death. I was scheduled for their special experiments, fortunate to have survived. The camps in Poland were cold and inhuman. And the Nazis were torturous villains like the world has never seen.

JONNY Could such things happen again?

ABRAHAM Who says they have stopped?

JONNY What do you mean?

ABRAHAM There are concentration camps today. At this very moment people are in prison camps because of their ethnicity of beliefs. There are probably as many people in concentration camps today as there have ever been.

JONNY Where are these camps?

ABRAHAM In Soviet Russia, China, and some smaller dictatorships.

JONNY Could it happen here?

ABRAHAM Whenever a government believes the individual is property, there will be camps.

DONALD So we haven't learned our lesson.

ABRAHAM Look around. Do you know of any government that does not take something from its citizens?

JONNY Even our government does that.

ABRAHAM Yes, even our government. I am not saying that such a thing is happening here, but given a change of attitude by the people and with leaders willing, it is possible that we could see camps someday.

JONNY We've got to prevent it. What can I do?

ABRAHAM Read, learn, understand the causes of such movements in history. Don't let people forget. Ideas are the best weapons.

JONNY They must be good ideas.

ABRAHAM Good ideas put into practical action. Look at our constitution and you'll get a glimpse..(He winces in pain)

DONALD Grandfather, thank you for talking to us. I know you aren't feeling well.

ABRAHAM Yes, I should rest. Perhaps we can talk more later. If you are interested in reading about the political systems that created the camps, read TOTALITARIANISM by Hannah Arendt and Ayn Rand's WE THE LIVING. Good bye.

JONNY Thank you Mr. Goldstein. (EXIT ABRAHAM. JONNY and DONALD stay at the kitchen table. They appear in deep thought.)

JONNY I want to make sure it doesn't happen here. I should study philosophy. DONALD Philosophy is a dead field. Maybe history can teach the right system of government.

JONNY But it takes ideas to know the right system.

DONALD How can ideas prevent atrocities like that?

JONNY Just like he said, the right ideas put into practice.

DONALD (Thoughtful pause) What we're talking about is the source of evil.

JONNY (He looks at Donald as if discovering something in his words) Yes, of course.(He looks thoughtfully away)

DONALD Are you hungry? Want a sandwich?

JONNY Sure, thanks.

DONALD (He goes to the refrigerator and begins bringing out the necessary items for two sandwiches) So where do we go from here?

JONNY Let's go to the Library, find the books your Grandfather mentioned. How about tomorrow after school?

DONALD Sure, what time?

JONNY 4:00?

DONALD O.K. I'll meet you there.

JONNY You know, Donald, I feel like a detective. It's like we're on the track of some great criminal, looking for clues that will help find out who he is, so we can put a stop to his crimes.

DONALD I've never thought that way about going to the library.

JONNY Me too.

CURTAIN

ACT 1 SCENE III

SETTING A typical Public Library with book shelves and reference area. Seated are JONNY and DONALD, looking through a catalog card file.

JONNY I'm not sure where we should start.

DONALD How about the history of the Third Reich?

JONNY No, let's look for the two titles first.

(ENTER HILLARY She is tall, slender and attractive. She does not notice the boys.)

DONALD (Excitedly) There she is!

JONNY Who?

DONALD Hillary, the new girl. (HILLARY goes to a shelf and picks a book. She is also carrying a book with her. As soon as she finds a book she takes it from the shelf, goes to the reading table and browses through it. The boys watch her all the while.)

JONNY You're right. She is super fine.

DONALD Come on, let me introduce you. (They move over to the table) Hi, Hillary.

HILLARY Hi, Donald.

DONALD I want you to meet my friend Jonny Payne. Jonny, this is Hillary Roberts.

JONNY Hello.

HILLARY So you're Jonny Payne. I was hoping to meet you soon. I didn't know you and Donald were friends.

DONALD (Surprised and a bit jealous) You've been hoping to meet him?

HILLARY Yes, I asked Mary Johnson who had the best mind in school and she said Jonny Payne.

DONALD Is that what you are interested in?

HILLARY Absolutely. (To JONNY) I hope we can be friends.

JONNY (A bit affected by her words and manner) Where are you from?

HILLARY New York City. My father is the new biology prof at IU.

JONNY (He looks at her book) What are you reading?

HILLARY ATLAS SHRUGGED.

DONALD Fiction or Non-fiction?

HILLARY Fiction--a great novel. Have you heard of Ayn Rand?

JONNY and DONALD No.

JONNY (To DONALD) Wait. Isn't that one of the writers your Grandfather mentioned yesterday?

DONALD Right. He said Hannah Arendt and Ayn Rand. What was the book?

JONNY WE THE LIVING.

HILLARY A great book. So someone has lead you to fiction by Ayn Rand.

DONALD We're really not interested in fiction. We're studying Nazi and Soviet concentration camps.

HILLARY Sounds like an interesting study. What have you discovered so far?

JONNY Well, we've just started. Donald's grandfather says it's good to learn about the causes of such things.

HILLARY Can I recommend a book to you?

JONNY Sure.

HILLARY Donald's grandfather was right. Ayn Rand is a good place to start. But read this book. (She offers ATLAS SHRUGGED)

JONNY Have you studied the subject?

HILLARY Sure have.

JONNY Great. Maybe you can help us. What's ATLAS SHRUGGED about?

HILLARY It's a philosophical novel.

JONNY There's that word again, Donald. Philosophy. (He takes the book) Thanks. (To Hillary) I believe I will read it. What's the plot?

HILLARY It's about a man who discovered the motor of the world and decided that the world didn't deserve it.

JONNY Sounds pretty negative to me.

HILLARY Not really. Read it. See for yourself. Do you believe in the value of human intelligence?

JONNY (Startled by her question) Yes, of course.

HILLARY Then you'll get something out of it. You may even find the answer to your questions about what causes concentration camps. Will you let me know what you think of it?

DONALD You know, I believe I have heard of Ayn Rand. Isn't she an athiest?

HILLARY Yes.

DONALD Oh, boy. (To JONNY) You're getting into dangerous territory, Jonny. I heard she's extremely logical.

JONNY Should I be afraid? (He looks at Hillary and they laugh)

HILLARY That doesn't scare you?

JONNY Why should it? Good logic makes an argument right. But, tell me, what does this book say about the camps?

HILLARY Well, the story takes place in a society which is moving toward things like concentration camps. The hero discovers a way to stop it.

DONALD Through atheism?

HILLARY Through reason.

JONNY What does he say?

HILLARY You'll have to find the full statement in the book. But in short, he tells men they have a right to exist.

JONNY I see, you don't want to give away the story.

HILLARY I've told you enough already. I'll only say this: When people discover they have the right to exist, they can fight and defeat men like Hitler.

JONNY Sounds like a great story.

HILLARY If you're the kind of person I think you are, you'll enjoy it.

DONALD (Realizing she is more interested in JONNY) How about me? Am I the kind of person who would be interested?

HILLARY If you can deal with atheism. (Donald looks confused)

JONNY Well, can you deal with it?

DONALD (Hesitatingly) I'll have to read the book. (He smiles) Then I'll tell you.(They all laugh. After a second, JONNY opens the book at random)

JONNY O.K. Let's get a sample. "He chuckled and looked away, and a few steps later said slowly, in the tone of a quotation, 'Nobody stays here by faking reality in any manner whatever.'" (He stops and contemplates the thought) Now that's an interesting idea.

DONALD Oh, brother.

JONNY What's wrong, Don?

DONALD What does that mean, 'faking reality?'

JONNY Well, it's like lying, not being honest. (To Hillary) Right?

HILLARY Right.

DONALD You mean those people won't let anyone stay there unless they are honest?

HILLARY The place is called Galt's Gulch. The people who live there aren't interested in dishonest people living among them.

JONNY Exactly the way I interpret it.

DONALD Oh, brother.

CURTAIN

ACT 1 SCENE IV

SETTING: A common living room in a middle class home. Next to the couch is a table and phone. Next to the front door is a small table. Lying on the couch is JONNY, reading ATLAS SHRUGGED.

ENTER ANDREW, JONNY'S father. He is carrying a newspaper and moving toward his recliner chair.

ANDREW Hi, son. How's my young man today?

JONNY (He takes his attention away from the book long enough to answer) Great, Dad.

ANDREW (He sits and begins reading his newspaper. After a few seconds, he gets a puzzled look on his face and looks toward his son.) Son, why aren't you reading in your room?

JONNY I'm waiting for Mom to come home. She's taking me to the mall for a haircut.

ANDREW But you're supposed to read in your room.

JONNY I know, Dad. This book is so great I can't put it down.

ANDREW Well, I've never known a book that did that to you. What is it?

JONNY ATLAS SHRUGGED by Ayn Rand.

ANDREW You're reading that?

JONNY Yes, have you heard of it?

ANDREW When I was in college. It was popular among some of my acquaintances.

JONNY Did you read it?

ANDREW I browsed through it. It didn't seem like something I'd like.

JONNY Dad, you should have read it. It's tremendous. I think I could read it a hundred times.

ANDREW (Chuckles) But isn't she a capitalist?

JONNY Yes, and she gives the best arguments for it. I had never..(His father chuckles again) What's so funny?

ANDREW Youth and its idealism. It's touching to see you interested in ideas. But, you'll learn.

JONNY Learn what, Dad?

ANDREW The realities of life. You can't live on ideals. Things aren't quite as simple as they seem.

JONNY I don't know what you mean, Dad. I never thought things were simple.

ANDREW I used to be like you. Great ideals were all I lived for. But life is full of disappointment and failure. You'll drop the ideals once you get hit with marriage, bills, children, holding a job.

JONNY But it's life this book is dealing with.

ANDREW It's a book of fiction.

JONNY But the author's idea of reality seems correct to me.

ANDREW Fiction is fiction.

JONNY Fiction can be life. Tell me, Dad, were you ever a capitalist?

ANDREW No, I could never have been a vulgar materialist. I was a socialist when I was in college. Now I admit, it was a rebellious period for me. I've settled down to Catholicism, just like my parents.

JONNY You were a socialist?

ANDREW Yes, and what a vision we had for the world. Complete equality. We learned that the world would never conform to our ideal.

JONNY (He waves book) It's no wonder. It's an impractical ideal.

ANDREW As are all ideals.

JONNY You know, Dad. I'd like to live by my ideas all my life. I'd like to see them come about.

ANDREW You can't expect people to live the way you want. The world just isn't made that way.

JONNY But, Dad, if something is right, shouldn't men want it?

ANDREW Of course they should. But you see, men don't want what's right. They didn't want socialism.

JONNY But capitalism is the opposite of socialism. Maybe they'll want capitalism.

ANDREW Mankind has rejected capitalism too. All political ideas are held in a vacuum. They can't be achieved.

(ENTER COLLEEN, JONNY'S mother. The two do not notice her. She stands at the entrance and listens to their conversation.)

JONNY But aren't they good for something?

ANDREW Only for delusion.

JONNY What?

ANDREW They help us believe we're acting for some purpose.

JONNY Dad, I can't believe you really think that. Ideas have brought us every good thing we have.

ANDREW You mean technology? Come on, the more complicated man's life, the worse off he is.

JONNY Would you prefer to walk to work? How complicated would your life be then?

ANDREW But that's not the point. Why should I even go?

JONNY Why do you?

ANDREW Because I have accepted things as they are.

JONNY But, Dad, that's cir...(He was about to say "circular reasoning.")

COLLEEN Good evening, gentlemen.

JONNY AND ANDREW Hi.

JONNY Oh, Mom. Great. I'm ready for my haircut. (He gets up and walks toward the door. He exits.)

COLLEEN (To her husband) What was that all about?

ANDREW He's latched on to Ayn Rand's ideas.

COLLEEN Ayn Rand? Where did he find out about her?

ANDREW I don't know. I'm sure it's a passing fancy.

COLLEEN I hope so. (ENTER JONNY again, wondering what is holding his mother up)

JONNY I'm ready.

COLLEEN Let's go.

EXIT JONNY and COLLEEN. ANDREW sits watching them leave.

CURTAIN

ACT 1 SCENE V

SETTING: SAME Seated in the living room is COLLEEN and ANDREW. They are reading the newspaper. ENTER JONNY and HILLARY.

JONNY I think it's stupendous. We've got to talk more.

HILLARY I'm so glad you enjoyed the book. I'd love to talk about it.

JONNY Great! Where can we go?

HILLARY How about the park? It's a great day.

JONNY (Noticing his parents) Oh, Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. (To Hillary) Hillary Roberts, may I present my mother, Colleen, and my father, Andrew.

HILLARY So nice to meet you.

COLLEEN and ANDREW Hello.

JONNY It was Hillary who introduced me to ATLAS SHRUGGED (Smiling proudly).

COLLEEN Oh, how interesting. So you're the one who has him all excited.

HILLARY No, I think Ayn Rand has done that. (She and JONNY laugh)

ANDREW Are you new in the neighborhood? I don't recall hearing your name before.

HILLARY Yes, my father teaches Biology at the University. We've just moved here from New York.

JONNY (Eager to leave) We...We're going to the park...to talk about Ayn Rand's philosophy. Hillary’s been studying it for 2 years. I’ve got a lot to learn (They move to leave) See you later.

HILLARY Bye.

ANDREW and COLLEEN Good bye.

COLLEEN (She looks sternly at Andrew) What do you think of that girl influencing our son like that? Isn't Ayn Rand an atheist?.

ANDREW You're right. I'd forgotten that. (Pause) We'll not let it go too far. If she's a bad influence we'll just prohibit their seeing each other.

COLLEEN But shouldn't we do it now before things get worse?

ANDREW Let's not over-react.

COLLEEN You told me once that Ayn Rand was very popular during the 60's on college campuses. What happened to those kids she influenced?

ANDREW They slowly drifted away from her ideas. They had to live after all.

COLLEEN That girl looks like she can turn any boy her way.

ANDREW Of course, she's attractive. But Jonny's dated attractive girls before.

COLLEEN But what if she's intelligent too?

ANDREW The last thing we want is to alienate him by reading too much into this Ayn Rand thing.

COLLEEN (She sighs) Well, I hope you're right.

CURTAIN

ACT 1 SCENE VI

SETTING: Same as ACT 1. SCENE I. Seated on a park bench are HILLARY and JONNY.

JONNY But why aren't her ideas accepted by society? ATLAS SHRUGGED was published in 1958. That's four decades ago, and few people know about her.

HILLARY She's known to just about every major intellectual. But there's never been a reasoned effort to refute her ideas.

JONNY She challenges all traditions.

HILLARY Yes. (pause) Does that scare you?

JONNY No. It scares Donald. You know, when I met you, I was looking to learn more about dictatorship. What you've introduced to me is beyond that, more important. (Pause) I am concerned what my parents will think.

HILLARY Do you think they'll support your independence?

JONNY I suspect they aren't happy about this.

HILLARY They'll respect your rights, won't they?

JONNY I'm not sure. They believe in the one true religion.

HILLARY You are Catholic?

JONNY I was a Catholic. I've doubted the Church for some time.

HILLARY So it didn't start with ATLAS SHRUGGED.

JONNY No, it started with Aristotle and his concept of a good life.

HILLARY You've read Aristotle?

JONNY Yes, and then I worked out my own idea of truth.

HILLARY You did? (Pause) What is truth?

JONNY When you say something and it describes reality.

HILLARY I agree with that.

JONNY Yes, but it's gotten me in trouble. When I was in grade school, the priest got upset when I questioned the miracles of the Bible.

HILLARY What did he do?

JONNY He told me that faith was the essence of religion.

HILLARY What did your parents think?

JONNY Surprisingly, he never told them about it. Neither did I.

HILLARY They know now.

JONNY (He laughs) I think they're beginning to see. Ayn Rand's philosophy has brought things to the forefront. It won't be a secret any longer.

HILLARY Does it bother you that you've had to keep your ideas secret?

JONNY So they wouldn't get angry? It is kind of cowardly, isn't it?

HILLARY Not if you felt justified fear. I'd be afraid if I thought my parents would hate me for my ideas..

JONNY You mean they don't?

HILLARY No, my father advocates Objectivism. (Pause as she notices a look of confusion on JONNY's face) I'm sorry, I've never told you. Ayn Rand called her philosophy Objectivism.

JONNY Your Dad sounds great. You've grown up with her philosophy. It makes me feel..deprived.

HILLARY That's a funny way to put it. Most "deprived" kids regret their parents were abusive, alcoholic, or poor. You regret they weren't more intellectual.

JONNY Well, if a child needs a good mind to survive, it is deprivation.

HILLARY It must be difficult for you.

JONNY (Pause) It's good to talk to someone who understands. How did you become so wise?

HILLARY I wasn't deprived.

JONNY You mean your Dad taught you about these issues?

HILLARY Partly, but I can see the problems because I have a good example to compare against.

JONNY Yeah. I see what you mean.

HILLARY Well, let's not worry about that now. I'm really anxious to hear what you think of ATLAS SHRUGGED.

JONNY It's the greatest book I've ever read. If ever a book should be a guide for living, this is it. Some of Francisco's speeches, the one about money especially, straightened out so many things for me. Galt's speech was incredible though I don’t understand all of it yet. I'm certain now that I should concentrate on philosophy, not history.

HILLARY You should read THE VIRTUE OF SELFISHNESS next.

JONNY I've bought a copy of THE VIRTUE OF SELFISHNESS. I'm going to start on it tonight.

HILLARY Great, why don't we read it together?

JONNY (A bit startled) What do you mean?

HILLARY Well, we could really chew on it, study it sentence by sentence, and talk about the meaning of each part. (Pause) I can't think of a better person to be with on Saturday night. Men like you are rare. I like you...very much.

JONNY I like you too.

HILLARY (She kisses him on the cheek) Let's go.

CURTAIN

ACT 1 SCENE VII

SCENE: JONNY'S room. Typical teenager's room. Except that posters on wall are of Maps of the Solar System. Also, a bookcase and a desk along one of the walls. Next to the desk is a small refrigerator. Across from the bed is a small couch. ENTER HILLARY and JONNY.

JONNY Well, this is it.

HILLARY Very nice. You keep it well.

JONNY Thanks. Make yourself at home (He points out sofa. She moves to sit there. Meanwhile, he goes over to a small refrigerator next to his bed.) Would you like a soda?

HILLARY Yes, thanks.

JONNY (He obtains a can of soda, opens it and brings it to her) Here you go.

HILLARY Thanks. Your parents; I think they were a little cold toward me tonight. Am I imagining things?

JONNY No, I noticed it too. They've never acted that way toward any of my friends.

HILLARY Do you think they're questioning your choice of friends?

JONNY Possibly.

HILLARY I hope we can work it out. (Pause) Well, let's see. Where do we start?

JONNY (He grabs his copy of THE VIRTUE OF SELFISHNESS) First, let me ask you a question. Have you ever met other people interested in Ayn Rand's philosophy?

HILLARY Yes. When we lived in New York City, there were several groups. They listened to lectures on Objectivism one night a week. Most of the people who attended the lectures were college students. But occasionally a younger person would come.

JONNY Is there a group here in Bloomington?

HILLARY As a matter of fact, there is. Dad is the new business agent. And on Wednesday nights, we hold lectures in our home. The present lecture course is called THE PHILOSOPHY OF OBJECTIVISM. We're on the 3rd lecture, but you're welcome to come.

JONNY You bet I'll be there.

HILLARY Also, on Monday nights at the University there's a meeting of Campus Students of Objectivism. High school kids are welcomed.

JONNY I'll be there too.

HILLARY We can go together if you like.

JONNY (Pause) Do you know what meeting you has meant?

HILLARY What do you mean?

JONNY Well, you introduced me to the philosophy I'll live by. You've done more for me than any person I know.

HILLARY Thanks.

JONNY Thank you.

HILLARY I like being appreciated that way, Jonny.

JONNY I like appreciating you. (Pause) Well, let's see. How should we do this? (He opens book) Should we just start at random, or pick a topic and look it up in the index?

HILLARY Why don't we look through the index and find something that interests us?

JONNY O.K. Let's see. How about..."happiness."

HILLARY Excellent choice.

JONNY Page 28. "Happiness is a state of non-contradictory joy--a joy without penalty or guilt, a joy that does not clash with any of your values and does not work for your own destruction...Happiness is possible only to a rational man, the man who desires nothing but rational goals, seeks nothing but rational values and finds his joy in nothing but rational actions." (pause) That's a profound statement. It defines so clearly a basic principle. Now what does that means in action, in real life? Why is it true that only rational actions will result in happiness?

HILLARY She says happiness is a state of non-contradictory joy. What would be contradictory joy?

JONNY Well, momentary pleasure or irresponsibility, a joy that harms in the long-run.

HILLARY A non-contradictory joy would be a joy where a person's actions benefit his life.

JONNY I see that. But so few people live like that. Why?

HILLARY Maybe they don't consistently connect their actions to their lives. Sometimes they act to benefit themselves. Other times they harm themselves. And they seldom question how their actions relate to their lives.

JONNY Sounds like confusing lives. You know, I never understood the issue of happiness that way. The Church tells you to follow God's Commandments. That's all. The consequence for your life? Well, you'll be rewarded or punished--in Heaven or Hell--after you die--when your life means nothing. That's how they handle important issues. When you ask "Why is an action right?" the answer is always, "That's what God wills." That doesn't help. That means God is all important and I am important only in relation to God. I can't settle for that. I want answers for me. When I told this to a priest he made me feel guilty. He said I was being selfish. But now I see\\\\\; happiness can only be selfish.

HILLARY So a person who lives for God's Will can't be truly happy?

JONNY How could he be? What is he living for? Himself or God?

HILLARY We're talking about happiness for man.

JONNY Right. It's preposterous, having read Ayn Rand, to base all actions on Commandments.

HILLARY I agree.

JONNY I'll never be the same again. Ayn Rand challenges 2000 years of teaching. I need time to fully absorb this. I must read the entire article. (He gets up) Hillary, were you affected like this?

HILLARY With me, it's a process of learning just how bad things are, philosophically.

JONNY I understand.

CURTAIN descends as they continue talking.

ACT I Scene VIII

SETTING: The living room in the PAYNE home. The doorbell rings. ENTER COLLEEN PAYNE. She opens the door. In the doorway is RONNIE PHILLIPS.

COLLEEN Hello, Ronnie. How are you?

RONNIE Fine, thank you. Is Jonny home?

COLLEEN Certainly. I'll call him. Please come in.

ENTER RONNIE. EXIT COLLEEN.

RONNIE Thanks.

(RONNIE moves slowly into the living room as she waits nervously for JONNY to come down. ENTER JONNY. When he sees her, he stops quickly.)

JONNY Ronnie!!

RONNIE I'm glad you know me. At least you haven't forgotten who I am. Do you know what day it is?

JONNY Sure, Sunday. (Pause as he realizes that he missed their date) Ronnie, I am so sorry about last night.

RONNIE Is that all you can say?

JONNY I...I know we were supposed to go out, but...something came up.

RONNIE But you didn't call me Friday either. (Pause as she watches the expression on his face) Well, at least it wasn't another girl, right?. What deep intellectual subject was it? Did you study all night?

JONNY Yes, I did, and the subject was philosophy.

RONNIE And you found it more interesting than me?

JONNY I'm sorry. (He notices the look of disappointment and hurt on her face) You find that hard to believe?

RONNIE (She laughs) No, not really. But Donald told me about that Hillary. I know it wasn't just philosophy that made you forget.

JONNY But it was. (Pause) What did he tell you?

RONNIE He said you two have spent the whole weekend together.

JONNY That's true.

RONNIE She made you forget me, didn't she?

JONNY I'm sorry.

RONNIE It's as simple as that, isn't it. She's swept you off your feet.

JONNY You don't understand. It's more than just my falling for her.

RONNIE But that is part of it, isn't it?

JONNY I've had a whole new experience.

RONNIE What did she do?

JONNY It's not what you think.

RONNIE Don't try to hide it. She's taken you away from me--just like that(she snaps her fingers). Well, I'm not giving up that easy.

JONNY There's nothing you can do about it.

RONNIE Why not?

JONNY I've changed.

RONNIE (Pause) Aren't you going to give me a chance?

JONNY I can't.

RONNIE Why not?

JONNY I told you I've changed.

RONNIE What's happened to you?

JONNY I've found the greatest thinker of my life.

RONNIE Hillary?

JONNY No.

RONNIE I'm confused.

JONNY (He goes to the coffee table in the living room and produces the copy of THE VIRTUE OF SELFISHNESS) All right, read this. Tell me what you think. Then I'll tell you if we have a chance.

RONNIE (She takes the book) What's so important about a book? (Pause as she notices his seriousness) All right.

JONNY Read it. Then you might understand.

RONNIE THE VIRTUE OF SELFISHNESS. (She pronounces "selfishness" as if pronouncing a distasteful word) What kind of book is this?

JONNY Read it. (Doorbell rings. JONNY goes to open door. Once open, he finds Hillary.)

JONNY Hello.

ENTER HILLARY

HILLARY I hope you don't mind my coming over for a second. I wanted...(She notices RONNIE) Hi, Ronnie. How are you?

RONNIE Not as well as you.(HILLARY looks confused)

JONNY Well...I see you know each other.

RONNIE We're in the same English class, unfortunately. (Pause as she becomes embarrassed over her behavior) I'm sorry. I'll leave. (She goes toward the door)

JONNY All right. Call me after you've read the book.

RONNIE O.K. Bye (Sweetly but not sincerely)

HILLARY (EXIT RONNIE. After she leaves and JONNY has closed the door, Hillary speaks again.) What was that all about?

JONNY I forgot we had a date Saturday night.

HILLARY Because of me?

JONNY Oh, I don't blame you. She does.

HILLARY I interrupted your discussion just now.

JONNY That's all right. It was over.

HILLARY The discussion?

JONNY No, us. I just never knew it until a few minutes ago.

HILLARY Really? I didn't know you two were going together.

JONNY Would that have made a difference?

HILLARY No.

JONNY (Pause as he realizes her meaning) Well, I gave her a copy of THE VIRTUE OF SELFISHNESS and asked her to read it.

HILLARY Do you think it will make any difference?

JONNY Probably not. When she gets a whiff of it, she'll run.

CURTAIN

End Act 1.

ACT 2 Scene I

SETTING The Living Room of Jonny's parents. Seated are the two parents, ANDREW in an easy chair, COLLEEN on the couch. They are both reading. After a few seconds silence, they begin to speak.

COLLEEN (She puts down paper she is reading) Honey, can we talk for a minute?

ANDREW (He lifts his head from his book) Sure.

COLLEEN I've been thinking. We haven't been to church for some time. Wouldn't it be nice to go this Sunday? I mean it might be good for us.

ANDREW (Thoughtful) But I thought you didn't like Father Jones' sermons.

COLLEEN. Well, I've had second thoughts about that. I know his style is fire and brimstone, but maybe that's what we need right now.

ANDREW (Again thoughtful) Oh, I see. Because of Jonny?

COLLEEN Maybe he needs to be reminded of his responsibilities to God and humanity. Maybe after Mass we can have a conference with Father Jones.

ANDREW Hmmm. A push in the right direction. You know, I think we're to blame for Jonny's turning to such strange ideas.

COLLEEN What do you mean?

ANDREW Well, we've been such secular parents. We've never really brought religion into our home. We've never made it a direct, working part of our lives. No wonder the boy feels he's free to explore any idea he wants. Oh, we've told him what we believed, but we've never really stood behind our beliefs.

COLLEEN I couldn't agree with you more. Sunday we'll go to church and take Jonny to Father Jones.

ANDREW O.K.

COLLEEN (She gets up and goes over to his chair, sits on the arm of it and puts her arm around him) Dear, do you remember our wedding? It was so romantic. When I walked down the aisle, and saw you waiting there to take me from Dad, I felt so fulfilled, so totally in love. You know, I've never lost that feeling. I knew you were mine forever.

ANDREW When you touched my arm, That was the finest moment of my life. I still love you.

COLLEEN There are some deep values at stake in our marriage. Some wonderful feelings. I want Jonny to experience the same feelings. With the strength of the Church, he'll see we really want the best for him. And he'll realize his new philosophy is nothing to be admired, not compared to the love and wisdom of Christianity.

ANDREW Very nicely put.

(ENTER JONNY)

COLLEEN Oh, Jonny, we're glad you're here. Dad and I have decided to go to church this Sunday.

JONNY (hesitates) Mom, Dad, you haven't been to church in a long time. Why the sudden change?

COLLEEN We need a spiritual experience.

JONNY (thoughtful) Well, I hope you enjoy it.

ANDREW We'd like you to come along.

JONNY Why?

ANDREW We think it'd be good for you. We'd like for you to talk to Father Jones.

JONNY Do I have to?

COLLEEN Honey, why are you opposed to it?

JONNY Mom, Dad, It may be hard for you to accept, but I'm an atheist.

COLLEEN That's ridiculous. You can't be an atheist. You are our son.

JONNY Believe me, I am not trying to hurt you.

ANDREW But how can that be right?

JONNY I don't accept an idea without proof. That's called living according to reason.

ANDREW (Getting agitated) Reason? You think reason is superior to feelings? You don't realize, there is so little we can be certain about. That's why God is so important. He can help us through the confusion caused by too much reliance on reason.

JONNY Dad, I don't agree with that.

ANDREW The young. When will you realize you don't have all the answers?

JONNY I know I don't have all the answers, but I want the answers.

ANDREW (Stern) Are you going to church with us or not?

JONNY Sure, Dad. If you want, I'll go.

ANDREW (Suppressing anger) Thank you. Please leave the room, now.

JONNY I'm sorry if I made you mad. I don't think I've done anything wrong. Bye. EXIT JONNY

ANDREW (Upset) I think we have real problems with that boy. He's turning into a delinquent. Can you imagine the bad things that come from being atheist? That's more than I can take.

COLLEEN I'm sure Father Jones will help. Let's wait until Sunday.

CURTAIN

ACT 2. SCENE II

SETTING: Inside a Catholic church. On the stage is a Preacher's pulpit. Against the background is a stained glass window and an altar. It is arranged in the Catholic tradition.

ENTER FATHER JONES in clerical garb

FATHER JONES When I was a young man, I was a rebel. I questioned everything. I wanted all the answers. I wanted to know the ultimate truth. The ultimate truth. I had a passion to know...and to let that knowledge guide my life. I was possessed by a drive to explore all ideas, all avenues open to man. And I saddened the hearts of my parents. "Why, why, why?" was my constant cry. "Show me," I would say. "Prove it," was my challenge. Two deeply religious people like my parents found it hard to deal with me. They were ready to eject me from home, ready to give up on the lost child I was. You see, I became infatuated with the idea that logic and knowledge were all that mattered, that any appeal to emotion, revelation, or the works of God were meaningless, unimportant. In an age like ours, it's easy to succumb to the appeal for order in the universe, easy to believe that every mystery has an answer we can understand through reason. After all, look around. Everywhere we see men finding answers by violating the mysteries of nature. So many scientists today are trying to play God with genetic engineering, doctors are playing God by performing abortions, killing babies, politicians dictate to us by legislating against the right to practice religion in public schools. No wonder, young people find it attractive to question established authority. They think they are being mature, using their minds. This attraction is the essence of being philosophical, and our culture rewards that attitude. The idea that one is independent carries with it a sense of strength and self-assuredness. This idea has a tremendous influence on young people. They are young enough not to have lived, not to have suffered the many major disappointments of life. They have never lost jobs, never been victims of violent crimes. Most have never lost loved ones or gone through the agony of psychological depression. Their youthful strength disappears when they begin to take on the responsibilities of life, when they make commitments to values that are often hard to gain or keep. Once the incidents of failure begin, that strength will give way to self-doubt, humility and need. It's at times like these when the young learn that faith and love are the only solutions, the only things they can be sure of. It is a story told time and time again. What is faith? Faith is that abiding certainty that someone is watching over us, someone who truly loves us, no matter how difficult life may be or how low we may have sunk. Faith is that rock that binds and integrates our lives, and all of humanity for that matter. Faith is not something to laugh at or mock. It is not the refuge of the ignorant as some would like to believe. Faith belongs to the brilliant as well as the less endowed. It is mankind's basic need, his most human of requirements. Faith is the basis of the universe. It is provided by God as a way of understanding His nature. We must remember the experience of St. Augustine, that great father of Christianity, who searched many years for ultimate truths. He even tried logic and philosophy. When his endeavors proved fruitless, when his confusion was at it's deepest level, he found himself in utter despair and depression. (He picks up a book)One day, he was wailing in sorrow. (He reads from the book)"I sent up

these sorrowful cries,--'How long, how long? To-morrow and to-morrow? Why not now? Why is there not this hour an end to my uncleanness?'

"I was saying these things and weeping in the most bitter contrition of my heart, when, lo, I heard the voice as of a boy or girl, I know not which, coming from a neighboring house, chanting, and oft repeating, 'Take up and read; take up and read.' Immediately my countenance was changed, and I began most earnestly to consider whether it was usual for children in any kind of game to sing such words; nor could I remember ever to have heard the like. So, restraining the torrent of my tears, I rose up, interpreting it no other way than as a command to me from Heaven to open the book, and to read the first chapter I should light upon....So quickly I returned to the place where...I had put down the volume of the apostles, I grasped, opened and in silence read that paragraph on which my eyes first fell,--'Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.' No further would I read, nor did I need; for instantly, as the sentence ended,--by a light, as it were, of security into my heart,--all the gloom of doubt vanished away." And here was a man tormented by the passions of the flesh, racked by the cancer of doubt, a man worldly beyond the worldliness of young people today. Yet, this man found the Lord Jesus Christ on that day, and produced some of the most inspiring thought in human history.

But what is thought if it is not used in the worship of God? It is rebellion against authority. What is thought if it is designed to question and deny the will of God? It is individuality and pride, two of the most selfish ideas man has, two ideas based upon a love of this world and a love of man, not upon a love of Heavenly Grace and Almighty God. How is it that we can undercut our nature by excluding the source of all that we are? How can we deny God when we owe our very existence to God?

The enemy is secular humanism. Secular humanism is the belief that man can have an understanding of the universe without reference to God. It takes man and elevates him to a position of sole judge and master of the universe. Any man who thinks he could be as great as God is deluding himself. There is no intelligence greater than God's. And the first act that proves a man's ignorance is not when he thinks he can play God, but when he denies the existence of God.

In order to be good Christians, no, good men, we must subordinate our wills, our judgment and our lives to God. What better hands to be in? Why do secular humanists insist they are as good as God? Can they create, with one thought, out of nothingness, an entire universe? Can they reach moral perfection? Can they solve all the mysteries of the universe? Are they omniscient? Are they God?

But, you might say, they don't accept the idea that God exists in the first place. Well, I say that's their problem, not ours. For the truth will be known. The truth will set you free. The truth is with God. And secular humanists can't reach the truth because they know not the wonders and the beauties possible to a man of faith, to a man who truly wants to understand and who uses his faith as his lens for looking into God's masterplan for humanity.

And finally, isn't secular humanism a belief system? Isn't it a religion? Ha! Of course it is. How can they get out of that? Religion is the most basic idea ever created by man. It has brought him out of the cave, given him a sense of a greater existence, and a greater purpose. It was religion that gave man a sense of worship. It showed him his true role on earth as a servant of God and an instrument of his Will. Where would man be without such? Don't forget: the very idea of man playing God includes God. This means that there must be a God before man can even consider whether he should attempt to think for himself. And really, what is life after all? What does it mean except that we are on this earth with other human beings, other creatures, like us, with whom we live and interact. What would we be without those others? Doesn't the very presence of others define what life is all about? Doesn't it define our every thought, our reason for working and being productive? What do the secular humanists say about that? Well, they believe that man must think for himself, do for himself, that his sole purpose in life is to enjoy himself. Selfishness is the essence of secular humanism. They can't prove that there is no God, but they want to lead all of God's creatures into the anarchy of a dog-eat-dog war of acquisition; acquisition of knowledge without God, and of material goods without sharing with others. Selfishness has no place in human social life because it is the essence of destruction. After all, what is it that God asks? He asks us to be kind to our fellow man; no, more. He asks us to give and to give and to give, and only then shall we be worthy of his Heavenly Love.

Only then shall we be truly human. Amen.

CURTAIN

ACT 2 SCENE III

SETTING: An office. Behind a large desk is a wall full of books. In front of the desk are three chairs. Sitting at his desk is FATHER JONES. Various Christian Mementos are spread throughout.

A knock is heard on the door. ENTER JONNY and his PARENTS.

FATHER JONES Please come in.

ANDREW Hello, Father Jones. I think you know my wife, Colleen, and this is our son Jonny.

FATHER JONES Why yes, of course. How are you all, please sit. I'm delighted you came to see me. (They sit. JONNY is seated between the parents. After an uncomfortable pause, FATHER JONES begins speaking.) Now, how can I be of assistance?

ANDREW Well, we've had some difficulty in our family lately. It seems that Colleen and I do not see eye-to-eye with Jonny.

FATHER JONES I see, is there a change in the boy's behavior? As I recall Jonny, is a good student and I've been told he was a model child while he attended school here, even though you folks didn't always come to church. (He acts hurt)

ANDREW (Avoiding the obvious intent of the priest's last sentence) Well, actually, Jonny's still doing well in school.

FATHER JONES Yes?

ANDREW Well, you see, Jonny's taken on unusual ideas lately. He's been reading an author named Ayn Rand and, well...

FATHER JONES Ayn Rand, let me see, have I heard of her? Ah, yes, she's that atheist who says she is against communism. Jonny, you should be ashamed of yourself. ANDREW I don't know much about her ideas, but I can feel when something is wrong.

JONNY I don't think her ideas are wrong.

FATHER JONES Well, tell me Jonny, just what is it that attracts you?

JONNY I think the most fundamental thing is her emphasis on reason.

FATHER JONES What do you think of God's position on reason?

JONNY I don't believe in God. But I can tell you what I think of the church's position on reason. I think you said it in your sermon clearly. You think feeling and faith are superior to reason. I don't agree.

FATHER JONES I see. Then there is no place for faith in your life?

JONNY None.

FATHER JONES But mustn't you have faith in others? Don't you have faith in your parents?

JONNY I hope to be able to trust them. That's not an issue of faith.

FATHER JONES Uh, huh. So you embrace secular humanism as a philosophy, don't you?

JONNY I'm not sure what you mean. I don't define my ideas like that. I am a student of the philosophy of Objectivism.

ANDREW You think you are pretty smart, don't you?

JONNY I'm trying to live intelligently. And I'm not going to feel guilty because of it.

FATHER JONES And you think your father is trying to make you feel guilty?

JONNY And you, as well.

COLLEEN That's enough. Father Jones, I apologize for my son's rude behavior. (To JONNY) We didn't come here to insult this holy and righteous man. He's a leader and deserves respect.

JONNY That gives him the right to insult man, every man in that church and in the universe? He can do that, but I can't say I believe man is better than an idiot?

ANDREW I see we are getting nowhere.

FATHER JONES Indeed. Jonny, I was not pastor here when you attended school, but I find it hard to believe you are a product of this fine school.

JONNY May I leave now?

COLLEEN Now just wait a minute.

JONNY I'll not participate in this discussion. You can carry on without me, but I will not respond.

ANDREW But don't you see what you are doing to your life?

JONNY Do you see what you are doing to my life?

ANDREW What do you mean?

JONNY You are trying to dictate my thoughts.

FATHER JONES Now, Jonny. That's not what your parents are doing. Of course, you have a right to your own thoughts. But your parents are convinced that your thoughts are wrong. They merely want you to consider their views.

JONNY On whose terms, mine according to reason, or theirs according to faith?

ANDREW There you go philosophizing, our side against yours.

JONNY You declared war, not me. May I leave now? (Pause, while the tension simmers in the room.)

ANDREW Get out!! (EXIT JONNY)

ANDREW (To FATHER JONES) Can you believe the nerve of that boy?

FATHER JONES The boy is troubled.

COLLEEN Do you think so? How could that be? We have been good, supportive parents. We've always had a stable family life.

FATHER JONES I suggest you take him to a psychologist...a Catholic psychologist.

ANDREW But he's always been such a good boy.

FATHER JONES Yes. Fortunately, he is young, and you have time. After all, it is your fault, you know.

COLLEEN What do you mean?

FATHER JONES You are both college educated, right?. Your colleges were dominated by secular humanists. You haven't exactly set good examples for him to follow. How often have you been to church during the last 12 months? Maybe once?

ANDREW You're right. We have been too liberal.

FATHER JONES Well, start coming to church. (He begins escorting them out of his office) And bring Jonny. In the meantime, seek a Catholic counselor for him.

COLLEEN Thank you, Father.

FATHER JONES Good luck with that young man. I promise to pray for him.

EXIT COLLEEN and ANDREW

CURTAIN

ACT 2 SCENE IV

SETTING A psychiatrist's office. Seated at his desk is WILLIAM JACOBS. His credentials are framed and hanging on his wall.

ENTER ANDREW, COLLEEN, and JONNY. When they enter, he touches a clock on his desk as if to start it, and records the time in a book on this desk.

WILLIAM Mr. and Mrs. Payne, please enter. I'm glad to see you.(He gets up to greet them and shakes hands with both of them. Then he gets to JONNY) And you are Jonny, I presume.

JONNY Yes.

WILLIAM I've heard a lot about you.

JONNY I'll bet you have.

WILLIAM Well, let's get started. (They all sit. After a few seconds of nervousness, he speaks again.) How can I help you?

ANDREW Well, you see, Doctor Jacobs, we, that is Colleen and I, feel Jonny has gone too far in his quest for independence. We think he has forgotten the values we've tried to instill as parents.

WILLIAM I see. Jonny?

JONNY I have a right to think what I want.

WILLIAM And what do you think? (As if this question will baffle JONNY)

JONNY I believe that A is A, reality is what it is. I believe that reason is man's means of survival,

self-interest is his proper motivation, and freedom is his proper state in society.

WILLIAM (Surprised pause) Wow, I've never heard anyone your age talk philosophy like that. (Pause) Did you know I was a philosophy student in college? I had intended philosophy to be my major, but chose instead psychology.

JONNY Why?

WILLIAM Philosophy is a dead field. I found psychology to be a more practical field.

JONNY Really?

WILLIAM Yes, absolutely. With psychology, you deal with people and help them with real problems. In philosophy, you deal with abstract concepts of no practical significance. I enjoy mind games, but prefer real solutions to unsolvable problems. I mean who really cares about metaphysics, anyway?

JONNY I do. But, tell me are philosophical problems unsolvable?

WILLIAM Most major philosophical problems are solved. We've discovered that there are no solutions. Not much else can be done, except to quibble about words and their meanings.

JONNY Have you read Ayn Rand?

WILLIAM I was somewhat interested in her ideas. In fact, I went to a few of the recorded lectures by some Doctor or other.

JONNY What did you think of them?

WILLIAM Well, I wasn't too impressed with the people.

JONNY Were they strange types?

WILLIAM Yes, much too intellectual. I prefer people who are more down to earth. I mean, who cares about metaphysics, anyway?

JONNY I do. But what about the ideas, didn't you consider them on their own merit?

WILLIAM I don't know what you mean?

JONNY Were the ideas wrong because you didn't like the people?

WILLIAM The philosophy dealt with philosophical issues. It could not have been that important.

JONNY I know, who cares about metaphysics anyway.

WILLIAM All philosophy is abstract, impractical.

JONNY So you are against philosophy.

WILLIAM Well, yes.

JONNY I believe philosophy is the most important study.

WILLIAM I want to help you understand that it isn't. Too much introspection is not healthy. Oh, I don't expect you to agree with me now. Of course, it feels real to you, and I wouldn't dare rob you of your feelings.

JONNY I don't feel it. I know philosophy is important.

COLLEEN Jonny, Dr. Jacobs is trying to say that he'd like to be your counselor.

JONNY I don't need one.

ANDREW But we all need a counselor at one time or another.

JONNY And you've chosen this as my time?

WILLIAM Now, let's not argue.

COLLEEN We're your parents. We know you better than anyone. Doesn't our opinion deserve respect?

JONNY If it's a valid opinion. I think you're wrong. (Pause)

WILLIAM Perhaps Jonny and I can talk alone.

ANDREW (Pausing to think) Well, OK. (To Colleen) We'll wait outside.(Exit ANDREW and COLLEEN)

WILLIAM (After the door shuts there is a slight, uncomfortable pause) Well, I'm glad we put that to a stop. Parents can seem pretty hard sometimes.

JONNY Don't patronize me.

WILLIAM (pause) I'm sorry. I was only...

JONNY Trying to gain my trust.

WILLIAM You're a bright young man. Perhaps...

JONNY Too bright?

WILLIAM (Pause) You have heard that before?

JONNY I am starting to hear it more.

WILLIAM Why?

JONNY Maybe some people hate intelligence.

WILLIAM Maybe.

JONNY Ayn Rand says the most exploited man in history has been the man of intellect.

WILLIAM Do you believe you are destined to suffer in the same way?.

JONNY I believe my parents are trying to stop my efforts to be self-responsible.

WILLIAM Do you think they are part of a conspiracy?

JONNY In a sense, they are, though they don't know it.

WILLIAM What do you mean?

JONNY If I had a handicap, people would be falling over themselves trying to help me. I've committed the "sin" of being independent. They're falling over themselves trying to make me doubt my mind.

WILLIAM So it's a conspiracy against your mind?

JONNY In a sense, yes.

WILLIAM And how did this conspiracy chose you?

JONNY I don't understand what you mean?

WILLIAM Well, if there is a conspiracy against you, how is it the conspiracy chose you?

JONNY I still don't know what you mean? You're apparently failing to understand me.

WILLIAM Jonny, do you know what paranoia is?

JONNY Yes. It's the belief that others are out to get you.

WILLIAM But paranoia can take many forms. Sometimes it's family members one fears. At other times it's powerful people or a cultural plot.

JONNY So you believe I'm paranoid?

WILLIAM I wouldn't say that--definitively. I would like to continue seeing you. If you will open up to me about your feelings.

JONNY I'm not paranoid.

WILLIAM Perhaps social leveling is society's way of controlling people who are stepping out of bounds.

JONNY Who defines the boundaries? By what idea of right and wrong?

WILLIAM Do you feel able to question the authority of your parents?

JONNY I recognize no authority who does not also have reason.

WILLIAM Then you admire few men.

JONNY Is that my fault?

WILLIAM I hope someday, you can admire me.

JONNY (He laughs involuntarily. JACOBS appear hurt.) At this point, I admire only Ayn Rand. Whom do you admire-- philosophically?

WILLIAM I would say Plato is the greatest.

JONNY (laughs)

WILLIAM Then you believe there should be no social controls. Anything goes, even murder as long as you can justify it by your reason?

JONNY There is a difference between wanton murder and justified self-defense.

WILLIAM But who is to decide? Who but society can make those decisions? Are you qualified to make such decisions?

JONNY I'm not sure what you are getting at.

WILLIAM I'm saying that reason is so difficult to achieve for an individual. Only society has a right to decide what is right.

JONNY Society is only a number of individuals. (Pause as he realizes WILLIAM is trying to confuse him) I don't believe this is a fruitful conversation. You are trying to confuse me. How could I want you for a counselor? Your condition is pathological. Can I leave?

WILLIAM But we've just started.

JONNY No, we've just finished.

WILLIAM But can't we continue for a few minutes? I want to know what you're feeling? (Pause while he waits for JONNY to respond.) Won't you tell me what you're feeling?

(Pause. Again, no response from JONNY. After an embarrassed moment, he speaks.) Well, all right. You can leave.(EXIT JONNY. WILLIAM opens the door for him and while at the door, he motions for Jonny's parents to enter. ENTER JONNY'S PARENTS. They resume their seats.)

WILLIAM Mr. and Mrs. Payne. I'm afraid I cannot be of much help to Jonny at this time.

ANDREW I see.

WILLIAM From what I am able to determine, your son exhibits paranoid tendencies that might develop into a persecution complex and anti-social behavior.

COLLEEN Oh, my God!!(She begins crying.) What are we going to do?

WILLIAM Now, now. Let's not get too excited. I need many more hours with him to develop an accurate diagnosis. You folks have done the right thing in bringing him to a professional as soon as you did.

ANDREW Well, what are we going to do?

WILLIAM I would like to continue seeing him. But we should wait a while. Let's wait until his symptoms become slightly more severe. At that point, he may become convinced that he needs to talk to someone. Then we may be able to steer him toward a more conventional route with his intellectual development. At the present time, he appears to want no help from me.

COLLEEN But how can we help him if he doesn't want help?

WILLIAM We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. There are always more drastic options. I don't think now would be a good time to ask him if he'd like to seek therapy. He might suggest it's you who need it. Why don't you wait, ride it out for awhile. Watch for indications of depression. I'm sure they'll come. In a few weeks we'll talk and re-assess the situation.

ANDREW All right, Doctor. Thank you. But I may have to take a hard line with him.

WILLIAM (He thinks for a moment and then speaks as if suppressing anger) I trust your judgment. Your actions have been wise to date. I'm sure you are good parents and will do the right thing.

CURTAIN

ACT 2 SCENE V

SETTING The park in the school yard. JONNY and HILLARY are sitting on the park bench.

JONNY I'm not sure how I should handle it. This is something totally new to me.

HILLARY What happened?

JONNY They took me to Father Jones. Then to a psychologist. They're interfering in a way I never expected.

HILLARY What did they say?

JONNY Everything and nothing. Just nonsense. I asked to be excused both times. It was the first time I've felt superior to adults.

HILLARY That's the power of logic and ideas.

JONNY But why do I have to fight so hard?

HILLARY You and I know that atheism is only a small part of Ayn Rand's philosophy. But to your parents it's probably the only thing she stands for.

JONNY I'm sure you're right. They don't see it as an issue of reason, or of my rights.

HILLARY Atheism is taken to represent many negative and challenging ideas. Some people think atheists are psychologically deranged.

JONNY But I never felt that way about atheists when I was a Christian. I guess that's why I didn't expect Mom and Dad to react like they did.

HILLARY My father says that atheists are portrayed as evil people. Some believe they don't deserve to live in America.

JONNY But why? Why should someone be hated because he won't accept things on faith? That seems like a pretty American idea.

HILLARY Many hope that in truth God exists. To challenge that would bring the hatred of their families and friends. They're afraid of not accepting things on faith.

JONNY (He pauses and looks at her) That makes me their enemy. They want to believe reason doesn't matter, isn't important, is evil. It's part of the war against the individual. Of course, she discusses that in THE FOUNTAINHEAD. It's true, what she says. It's the social leveling Dr. Jacobs mentioned. (Pause) But it can't be as simple as that. My parents can't be vicious man-haters.

HILLARY And I'm sure they love you. They just never expected to encounter atheism in you.

JONNY They want me to just absorb their views.

HILLARY You're probably right.

JONNY If they were willing to discuss things, to help me understand\\\\\; that would be OK. But they aren't doing that. (Pause) You know, that changes how I feel about them. I mean, I still love them, but now they seem smaller to me.

HILLARY You're branching out now. They never did. When they were young, they accepted what they were taught.

JONNY And I'm becoming a man.

HILLARY (Pause) A true man, yes. You're not someone who accepts ideas second-hand, does some thinking on his own, but not much, copies, imitates, follows. You're someone who makes sure that what's in his mind is chosen and based on his understanding of right?

JONNY That pretty well spells it out. I've always been like that.

HILLARY What kind of woman do you think I am?

JONNY The kind of woman who questions every idea. I admire you tremendously.

HILLARY You do understand, don't you?

JONNY (He smiles now that the subject is about them) I also understand you and I are going to be hard to separate.

HILLARY And what's more, nobody in the world can stop us from getting what we want. (They hug each other for a moment) So what are you going to do about your parents?

JONNY There is only one thing I can do. Fight them. But when I think about the priest and the things he said in his sermon, and to me, I'm confused.

HILLARY It is not easy to say you disagree with someone. It is not often that a man in that position is disagreed with. It took a lot of courage for you to disagree.

JONNY I never looked at it that way. But you are right. Who disagrees with a priest?

HILLARY You do.

JONNY (Pause) Yeah, I do. And that's my right, isn't it? To decide if what he says is true. What he says is vicious. Man is evil according to that view. I am evil. That is a given for him. Whenever he talks about man, he talks about me, he takes it for granted that the starting point is that man is evil. How can I ever agree with that? How can anyone?

HILLARY That is a battle for history.

JONNY A life or death battle, I'm afraid.

CURTAIN

ACT 2 SCENE VI

SETTING: JONNY'S PARENTS' LIVING ROOM

COLLEEN (She is carrying a letter) Look what I found in the mailbox.

ANDREW (looks up from his paper) What is it?

COLLEEN A mailer from a book service selling Ayn Rand material.

ANDREW Oh?

COLLEEN Yes, apparently he's written for information.

ANDREW What does it say?

COLLEEN It's a catalog of books available for sale.

ANDREW Can I see it?

COLLEEN Sure. (She hands it to him)

ANDREW Let's see, pamphlets by Ayn Rand. "The Intellectual Bankruptcy of our Age", "The Fascist New Frontier", "America's Persecuted Minority: Big Business" "Playboy's Interview with Ayn Rand." You can tell by the titles there's a strange slant in her articles. She's cynical about everything, she supports fascism, and favors Big Business over the poor. She even interviews with Playboy Magazine. Should he be reading such things?

COLLEEN He's our son, our responsibility. Any parent would consider it their duty to make sure their children aren't exposed to things like this?

ANDREW But how are we going to handle it? Should we confront him or just see to it that he never gets this? (pointing to the envelope)

COLLEEN Let's just throw it away.

ANDREW But if he discovers we've done it, he might try to get the catalog another way.

COLLEEN But he might just forget about it.

ANDREW Why don't we write to the company and tell them to remove him from their list? If they don't do it, we can complain to postal authorities.

COLLEEN I'll go upstairs and write the letter.

ANDREW OK (EXIT COLLEEN)

(ENTER JONNY and HILLARY)

HILLARY (To JONNY) Did you know there was a movie made of it?

JONNY Really? I'd love to see it.

HILLARY We'll have to keep an eye on the TV movie guide. It usually comes on late at night.

JONNY Hi, Dad.

ANDREW Hello, Hillary.(Coldly)

HILLARY Hi!

ANDREW What are you two all excited about?

JONNY Hillary has just told me that one of Ayn Rand's novels was made into a movie. Maybe you've seen it. It's called THE FOUNTAINHEAD.

HILLARY It starred Gary Cooper and Patricia Neal.

ANDREW Hmmm. I seem to remember seeing a movie with them together. Let me see, was that the one about an architect who stood against society?

HILLARY That's it. Did you like it?

ANDREW I've always enjoyed Gary Cooper. But as I recall, I thought he was out of character in that one. You know, he's always played the rugged cowboy who tells the truth and fights for good.

JONNY That's true. If the movie is like the novel, he played an intelligent achiever who told the truth and fought for good. Quite out of character for him. (Jokingly)

ANDREW Yes, I wonder why he would choose such a role. Especially from an unpopular book. (He does not realize the intent of Jonny's last statement)

HILLARY Oh, but the book was not unpopular. As a matter of fact, it's been in print longer than any other book in history.

ANDREW Not as long as the Bible. (Pause) And how many copies of THE FOUNTAINHEAD do you have?

HILLARY Three as a matter of fact.

ANDREW No wonder the book is still in print. Some people buy more than one copy.

HILLARY That's true of many books that are admired.

JONNY (Finally noticing his Dad's strong tone) Ah, well, Dad. We're on our way to Hillary's house to do some homework.

ANDREW No, no. I want to make my point here. I don't think this Ayn Rand is as popular as you say. After all, they make movies out of many books even if they don't sell well. And as we've seen, people seem to have multiple copies of her works.

HILLARY But many people enjoy her works.

ANDREW Maybe because she appeals to radicals, rebels, people who enjoy challenging the society most of us have worked hard to build.

HILLARY I don't feel I'm that type of person. I don't think Jonny is.

ANDREW I'm beginning to wonder. In fact, I think I've just made an important observation here. You're a bad influence on my son.(Pause as JONNY and HILLARY contemplate ANDREW'S STATEMENT. They look at each other.)

JONNY I don't think this is a good conversation.

HILLARY Mr. Payne, you don't like me.

ANDREW To be honest, I don't. And furthermore, I intend to forbid your seeing my son.

JONNY There is no call for that.

ANDREW But there is. First of all, I'm your father and responsible for making decisions about your well-being. Secondly, since you've met this girl you've changed-- dramatically. I have heard nothing but Ayn Rand this and Ayn Rand that. Frankly, I've had enough of it.

JONNY It's not Hillary's fault. It's the influence of ideas. Great ideas about man's proper role...

ANDREW ...as a selfish brute who knows only how to take advantage of others. I'm not about to lose you to her (Pointing to HILLARY) or those ideas. I'll stop you from destroying your life.

JONNY Dad, you're wrong. I have a right...

(ENTER COLLEEN) (She has heard the conversation from the other room and enters in quite a huff)

COLLEEN ...to be protected. Andrew, I agree. It's time for action. We've been patient long enough.

ANDREW Jonny, I order you to your room. This young lady can go home and never return to this house.

JONNY You have no right to do this.

COLLEEN Are you going to disobey your father?

JONNY Yes, I am.

ANDREW (silent pause) What does this mean? (Pause) No. You are not to speak. Go to your room now.

JONNY I will not accept this. Before I do as you say you must prove to me that I've done something wrong.

ANDREW (silent again) I'll do no such thing. I don't have to live up to your requirements.

JONNY Then what are you required to live up to?

ANDREW (Pause) You'll do as I say.

JONNY (silent for a moment as he and his father are at a standoff. He looks at Hillary and then back to his father.) I will not. (He moves toward the door, picks up a school book from a table there.) I'm going to Hillary's house to do homework. (He grabs Hillary's hand and they leave the house. The door slams behind them. Colleen and Andrew stand looking at the now closed door.)

ANDREW What should we do?

COLLEEN You must go after him.

ANDREW What do you want me to do, wrestle him to the ground?

COLLEEN Well, we could call the police.

ANDREW Five minutes after he's out the door?

COLLEEN We could say he's been kidnaped.

ANDREW By a 16 year old girl?

COLLEEN We've got to do something.

ANDREW I..I guess I could call Hillary's parents, see if they could help us put a stop to this insanity. Surely they're decent people.

COLLEEN Don't be so sure. Probably godless like her.

ANDREW But we have to try. Let's see, what was her last name? (He runs to the telephone table and picks up the phone book. He thumbs through the pages.) Well, there's only one Roberts. I'll try it. (He goes to the phone and picks it up, preparing to dial)

COLLEEN Are you sure it's a good idea to call? Maybe these people shouldn't be involved in our family problem.

ANDREW But it's their daughter who's influencing Jonny.

COLLEEN Well, all right. (Andrew begins dialing the phone)

ANDREW Hello, is this Doctor Roberts? My name is Andrew Payne. My son is Jonny Payne. He's a friend of Hillary Roberts. Is that young lady your daughter? Good. Yes? Why thank you. I'm glad you think so highly of him. But there's a problem and it involves your daughter. They're on their way to your house and we'd like to straighten things out.(Pause) The problem? Well, we can fill you in when we get there, that is, if you don't mind our coming over. (Pause) Great. All right. I have your address from the phone book. I'm familiar with the neighborhood. It won't take long. We'll see you in a few minutes.(He hangs up the phone) He said he was concerned too. Let's give the children time to get there. Then we'll go.

CURTAIN

END OF ACT 2

ACT 3 Scene I

SETTING: Another home. Sitting in an armchair reading a newspaper is Hillary's father, ALLAN ROBERTS. Sitting on a couch is her mother, ANGELA ROBERTS. The door bell rings. MR. ROBERTS rises to answer the door.

ALLAN Good evening. Mr. and Mrs. Payne, I presume?

ANDREW Yes, good evening.

ALLAN Please come in.

ANDREW and COLLEEN Thank you.

ALLAN I'm Allan Roberts. This is my wife Angela.

ANGELA Good evening.

ANDREW and COLLEEN Hello.

ANDREW I'm Andrew Payne and this is my wife Colleen. (an uncomfortable pause)

ALLAN Please be seated.(They sit on the couch next to ANGELA) Jonny and Hillary are upstairs doing their homework. They didn't mention a problem. I'd be surprised if they'd done something wrong. In any event how can we help? (He returns to his armchair)

ANDREW Well, you see, we're concerned about your daughter's influence on Jonny. She's introduced ideas we feel are negative and wrong.

ALLAN Oh? (He looks at ANGELA) And what might those be?

ANDREW Well, it's this Ayn Rand fad he's following. He says he's an atheist now.

ALLAN It bothers you that he holds to atheism.

COLLEEN Can you imagine? I mean, I don't know what you people believe, but having a child as young as Hillary..., I can't believe that you would condone such things. Children need to be taught against latching onto any fancy idea that comes along. As parents we have to protect our children by keeping those ideas from even entering their heads. That's another reason we wanted to talk to you.

ANGELA Perhaps Jonny is more influenced by the logical nature of Ayn Rand's arguments. I am familiar with those ideas, and they often have a strong influence on intelligent youngsters who are desperate for answers to major issues.

COLLEEN He's just a teenager.

ANGELA Yes, but he does have a mind of his own. Is he allowed in your family, to question and examine ideas? Hillary has that here.

COLLEEN But...

ANDREW I see you folks are more liberal about these matters. Perhaps you don't see the consequences for her future life. She could gain considerable harm from others, not to mention, the harm which could come from not having God in her life.

ALLAN I think you should know we also advocate Ayn Rand's ideas.

ANDREW But how could educated adults believe such ideas?

ALLAN Because they're correct. What ideas of hers do you consider incorrect? COLLEEN One issue is this insistence on reason. What a naive notion. Certainly you don't believe that reason is superior to feelings or faith. Who even thinks in such terms today?

ALLAN I do. In fact, according to our philosophy, it's the thinking we do that determines what we feel. It is not an issue of feelings against reason, as you seem to imply. Feelings are better served if they are supported by logical thinking.

ANDREW But what about God? Certainly, you're not teaching your daughter God doesn't exist. No sane parent would do that.

ANGELA Any concept which can't be proven does not exist. That's a matter of logic. I am convinced that our child should be given certainty rather than doubt.

ANDREW But don't most reasonable people believe in God? Isn't that a certainty?

ALLAN On the contrary, the number of people who believe an idea is not an indication that it is correct.

COLLEEN We're not college professors. We can't debate these issues with you. We're not as gifted as you, but I can see that you are going to be unpopular here. This is Indiana, not New York. We are not as liberal as you here.

ANDREW People like you should not be allowed to raise children. I'm truly amazed. I fear my son's exposure to your influences. This is the devil's home.

COLLEEN And we protect our children here. You'd better believe we'll be telling your neighbors about you.

ALLAN I'm sorry you feel that way. We allowed you into our house in a friendly manner. We were truthful and expected that you'd conduct yourselves like reasonable people. Your intolerance only indicates why Jonny is having problems.

COLLEEN Well!!

ANDREW We expect to leave with our son. We'll wait in our car. Jonny will be outside in a "reasonable" time. (He gets up from his seat. COLLEEN follows and they move

toward the door. ALLAN gets up and opens the door.)

ALLAN I do hope you'll think about Jonny's rights in this matter and allow him a freedom appropriate to his age and intellect.

ANDREW Just what do mean by that?

ALLAN Jonny is not a child. You can still try to teach him what you want. You can compel him to do what you say. But you can't make him think what you want. He's learning to walk with his mind. And it's a good mind.

ANDREW I'll fight to keep him from becoming a Nazi.

ALLAN (Startled by the last statement. After a pause he talks.) I would too, if that were the issue. But a great thinker, I'd fight to let him be. There is a difference.

ANDREW (Angrily) In this situation, I doubt it. Good evening.

ALLAN and ANGELA Good bye.(Solemnly)

EXIT ANDREW and COLLEEN (ALLEN and ANGELA move to the couch, talking)

ANGELA Well, what should we do?

ALLAN Give Jonny all the support we can. But we're limited to being his friends. He'll have to work this out for himself.

ANGELA We'll have to send him out there.

ALLAN It won't be the last time he'll be harmed because of his ideas.

ANGELA I'm thinking of the struggles you had with your career. And the neighbors around our last home. That poor child will have to bear that kind of pressure--from his parents.

ALLAN I hope he's got the strength. In any event, he's got to go home with them.

ANGELA I'll ask them to come down. (She goes to bottom of steps and yells up) Hillary, Jonny, would you please come down?

HILLARY (Heard from upstairs) Sure, Mom.

ALLAN I wonder how he'll take it?

ANGELA I wonder how she'll take it?

ENTER JONNY and HILLARY (JONNY is holding his opened school book)

HILLARY Yes, Mom.

ANGELA Hillary, something has come up that we must deal with. Jonny, your parents are outside waiting for you. They insist you go home with them now.

HILLARY We heard what went on.

JONNY (Thoughtfully) Well...I must do as they say, (Pause) I'm going to have it out with them once and for all. I can't continue to live like this. (To HILLARY) I'll see you later. (To the Parents) Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Roberts.

HILLARY (She walks him to the door, touches his hand and tells him with thought and feeling) Good premises.

JONNY Thanks.

EXIT JONNY. HILLARY looks worriedly toward her parents

CURTAIN.

ACT 3 SCENE II

SETTING: The Payne living room. ENTER JONNY and his PARENTS. JONNY walks directly toward his room.

ANDREW Young man, don't leave this room. (He stays. Short pause as they all look at each other.)

JONNY Well, where do we go from here?

ANDREW From here, we begin establishing a few rules about behavior.

JONNY Tell me, Dad. Which behavior should I change?

ANDREW First, the rebelliousness must cease. (Pause as he realizes he is starting to sound dictatorial) Let's get this straight. I'm not asking you to be a slave.

JONNY Then what are you asking? That I change my mind on your order?

ANDREW Well...Isn't it enough that we see something dangerous in this atheism of yours?

JONNY No.

COLLEEN But we are your parents.

JONNY That's an accident of birth. Parenthood doesn't give you the right to impose your views on me. You've given me life. For that I'm grateful. But it's still my life. You've given me a good home, food, clothes. But it's still my body you're protecting. You've sent me to school, told me what you believe, asked me to believe the same things. But it's still my mind.

ANDREW All right. Let's step back a moment. (Pause while he composes himself) Let's relax a moment, sit down. (They all sit) All right, Jonny. We can be fair. What do you believe?

JONNY (Pause while he collects his thoughts) I believe life is sacred, individual, unique, wonderful, precious. Is that so bad?

ANDREW Go on.

JONNY I believe the universe holds mysteries to solve, yields wondrous knowledge which man can use to benefit his life. I believe anything is possible for the man who maintains an independent mind.

ANDREW All right.

JONNY I believe every man has a right to live for himself, to pursue his own values.

ANDREW But...

JONNY "But what about others? Would you trample over others getting what you want?" Is that what you were going to say?

ANDREW Yes.

JONNY Ayn Rand has taught me it's not a mark of virtue to sacrifice for others, nor to expect others to sacrifice for me.

ANDREW But sacrifice is the highest virtue.

JONNY And because you believe that, you've constructed a society where men must give their minds, their time, their money and their lives at the point of a legalized gun. I don't agree with that. I don't want to be forced.

ANDREW That's an attitude I can't tolerate.

JONNY But you see, Dad, there's nothing you can do about it. In fact, you're against trampling on others, but aren't you trampling on me?

ANDREW Who do you think you are?

JONNY I'm Jonny Payne, primarily a man, secondarily, your son. You have to learn to accept that.

COLLEEN Why, I've never heard such insolence.

JONNY It's about time you did. I'm drawing the line. If you want me to stay here, you must not cross that line again. That line is my individuality.

ANDREW So you want us to leave you alone. And in return, you'll stay in our house?

JONNY Yes. (Pause while ANDREW and COLLEEN look at one another. JONNY stands firm.)

ANDREW You have no respect for our opinions.

JONNY Your opinions are important to me. But they're no longer the basis of my thought.

COLLEEN But your views are an insult to human decency.

JONNY Your "decency" is an insult to humanity.

COLLEEN What do you mean? Everything we've been taught, and that we've taught you says that selfishness is anti-social, evil and destructive.

JONNY As you can see, I've changed my view on that. In fact, it's you who are anti-social.

ANDREW I beg your pardon.

JONNY You both act like dictators trying to teach a slave what he must think. Is that not anti-social? (Pause as he notices the shocked look on their faces) Well, look at it.

ANDREW It's not our intention to dictate to you.

JONNY So says any dictator.

COLLEEN But we've done it out of love for you.

JONNY Really? Does it mean that much to you, mother, what I think? What would you do if I was not your son?

COLLEEN Well...

JONNY Would you tell the neighbors I was atheist?

(Before she answers) Of course you would. But then you'd leave me alone. That would be better than what you're doing to me now. (Pause while he realizes the next thought) By the way, why are you afraid of the neighbors?

COLLEEN It's not that. We believe people will hate you.

JONNY So you are afraid of the neighbors.

ANDREW (Pause. Then he decides to defend her statement.) No man is an island.

JONNY In his thinking he should be.

COLLEEN How about Father Jones? His sermon. St. Augustine. Didn't that move you?

JONNY Don't insult my intelligence. (They appear shocked. Long pause as they realize this train of thought won't work either.) Will you respect my individuality?

ANDREW I never thought I'd ever get to this point with my own son.

JONNY (Pause) Well?

ANDREW (Subdued) I'm not sure. Perhaps your Mother and I should talk. Afterwards, we'll let you know our decision.

JONNY I'll be waiting. Good night.

EXIT JONNY toward his room. ANDREW and COLLEEN stand looking at each other for a moment.

CURTAIN

ACT 3 Scene III

SETTING: The steps in front of the Library. JONNY is sitting on the steps reading ATLAS SHRUGGED. While he sits, two college aged young men walk down the steps by him. ANDY TIBBS is unruly looking. RICHARD SALIMON is almost too neat in appearance. As they pass, RICHARD notices the book and stops. He motions to ANDY and points to the book. Both get a mischievous look on their faces.

RICHARD Hi.

JONNY Hello.

RICHARD Excuse me, but I couldn't help noticing the book you're reading. My name is Richard Salimon. This is my friend Andy Tibbs.

JONNY Jonny Payne. Do you like Ayn Rand?

RICHARD There are certain elements of her writing I like. Are you a college student?

JONNY No, High School.

RICHARD We're seniors at IU

JONNY What's your major?

RICHARD and ANDY Philosophy.

JONNY That's great! Philosophy is my favorite subject.

RICHARD I've found it sets things right for me, gives me the answers I need to understand what life is all about.

JONNY Me too.

RICHARD So what do you think of Ayn Rand?

JONNY I've never encountered a greater mind.

ANDY Really? (He looks toward RICHARD)

JONNY She's excited an interest in philosophy for me. I'm eager to study it thoroughly.

ANDY Philosophy is a great subject.

RICHARD And when you get further into it, you'll learn that the best answer to all questions is that there is no answer.

JONNY You didn't read that in Ayn Rand's writings.

ANDY No, I didn't.

JONNY I'm confused. Is that what you learned in your philosophy classes?

RICHARD Yes.

JONNY But what about certainty? How can you be certain about the truth of any statement made?

RICHARD Who needs certainty? Certainty is for insecure types. I'm secure knowing there's nothing to be certain about. We have only experience to guide us.

ANDY I don't agree. Nothing matters because nothing exists. Have you read NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND?

JONNY No.

RICHARD I believe life is a process of trial and error.

ANDY I believe it's a process of trial.

JONNY But what about principles?

RICHARD There are no principles. That's just the point. Reality is a flux. That's the lesson of thousands of years of philosophical inquiry.

ANDY I don't agree. Reality doesn't exist.

JONNY I'm not sure I know enough about philosophy to answer what you say, but I am sure you're wrong.

RICHARD Is that all you can say?

JONNY But you're obliterating certainty.

RICHARD Doubt is the prescription for understanding. It rules philosophy today. Our college professors, civic leaders, business executives all operate according to doubting.

JONNY How could they?

RICHARD It works. By focusing on doubt we are able to advance mankind's future. Your Rand over-simplifies things. With her, progress is stifled.

ANDY But who cares about progress? Man is a disease. Discomfort and self-loathing are all he can achieve. You won't find me in any "corporate" boardroom practicing trial and error. Error is the hallmark of man.

JONNY (Ignoring ANDY) I don't know how you can say that. Rand's conceptual approach offers a method for using knowledge to make life better.

RICHARD That's over simplistic.

JONNY I'm sorry, I can't see that.

RICHARD If the universe is a flux, how can a static conceptual approach work? Something changes and throws everything out of kilter. Rand wants consistency and that's impossible in the universe and in moral choices. Have you heard of Heisenberg?

JONNY No. But I can't see how you can call your view advanced. It's disintegration.

ANDY Now you're getting it.

JONNY But why?

RICHARD Because man can't trust his senses. Hume proved that conclusively. There's no connection between what comes before and what follows. There's nothing to believe in, to be certain about.

JONNY (Pause. He gets a questioning look on his face. Then after a few seconds, he gets a knowing, understanding look.) I see. It's certain there is no certainty.

RICHARD Right.

JONNY I'm glad you agree that man can be certain.

RICHARD Are you deaf? There is no certainty.

JONNY Right. You agree with me there's certainty.

RICHARD Look, I just said there's no certainty.

JONNY (Pause while Richard realizes what he has said) See, you agree that we can be certain.

RICHARD But that statement...

JONNY ...is a statement of certainty.

ANDY (To RICHARD) You fell into his trap. I thought you knew better than that. As far as I'm concerned, there's no sense talking to me.

JONNY OK.

RICHARD Well, I'll have to think about it a bit. So you really like this Ayn Rand.

JONNY With certainty.

RICHARD What do you think of ATLAS SHRUGGED?

JONNY I think it's the best defense of man's mind. In short, it's fabulous.

RICHARD What do you think of the heroine Dagny Taggart?

JONNY A courageous woman in a difficult situation.

RICHARD How about John Galt?

JONNY The ideal man, the ultimate hero.

RICHARD Would you like to be like him?

JONNY Of course.

RICHARD Ha! Ha!

JONNY What's so funny?

RICHARD You romantics are naive and unrealistic. The world is not like fiction. Here's Galt, the "perfect" man, and Dagny, the "perfect" woman. (He says "perfect" as if it were a low concept) Come on, get serious. Nobody's like that.

JONNY (To himself) I've heard this before. (To RICHARD) Why do you hate perfection?

RICHARD I don't. I just don't believe man can be like that.

JONNY That sounds like hate to me. (Pause) In any event, I'm sorry you feel that way. Well, goodbye. (He attempts to walk away from RICHARD)

RICHARD Evading the issue?

JONNY I've no desire to continue the conversation. Would you excuse me? (He gets up and walks over to another part of the stairs away from RICHARD and ANDY)

ANDY I hope I'm around when he goes to college.

RICHARD I'd love to get my hands on him.

ANDY I'd terrorize him.

RICHARD Come on.

EXIT RICHARD and ANDY (Pause for a moment as JONNY considers the encounter which has just finished)

JONNY (ENTER DONALD. He is going toward the library and carries a load of books in his arms.)

JONNY Hi, Donald! How ya doing? I haven't seen you for a while.

DONALD (A bit embarrassed to have run into JONNY) Fine.(Pause) I'll see ya.

JONNY Wait a minute. Can we talk?

DONALD Well, I'm in a hurry.

JONNY Just for a little while. I just want to catch up on you.

DONALD I'm fine, I said.

JONNY Well, maybe I just want to talk about myself. I've so much to tell you. So much has happened lately.

DONALD I've talked to Ronnie. And I've heard about the problems with your parents. (Pause) Well, I guess I've got a few minutes.

JONNY Great. So...

DONALD Well?

JONNY Are you angry with me? (Noticing his aloof manner)

DONALD No. What makes you ask that?

JONNY Well, what is it?

DONALD (Pause) OK. There is something wrong. Jonny, I don't think I can associate with you any more.

JONNY Why?

DONALD We have less in common now. Before, I thought you and I were alike, but you take ideas too seriously. I don't.

JONNY After reading ATLAS SHRUGGED?

DONALD I didn't read it. Well, not all of it. It was too "intellectual." (Pause) Anyway, I just want to get along with people. I don't want to make ideas into battle lines.

JONNY Battle lines?

DONALD Yes, you want to make them more important than friendship.

JONNY But, I don't understand. How could truth be less important than friendship?

DONALD We have to live after all. Look at what's happened to you and your parents. Even Ronnie doesn't want to see you again. She says to tell you not to call her again.

JONNY Ronnie's another story. What's happened between me and my parents isn't my fault.

DONALD But it is. You question everything. You leave no leaf unturned. Your pursuit of "truth" is dangerous and insults others. I never thought you'd go this far.

JONNY How is it dangerous?

DONALD It's more important to have friends, loved ones. I don't want to reject people because their ideas are false or stupid.

JONNY But you're rejecting me because I want correct ideas?

DONALD. You're standing alone. I don't want to stand alone. I want to be loved regardless of what I believe. I don't make an issue of it.

JONNY (Pause) Don, I've always thought part of growing up was learning what is nonsense and how to prevent it from hurting you. I thought we had that attitude in common.

DONALD I thought we were just friends.

JONNY But you always said you believed ideas were important.

DONALD Sure, as long as they don't ruin your life.

JONNY But they haven't ruined my life.

DONALD They will. Those ideas will tear you apart. People won't let you live. You're headed for a difficult time.

JONNY You're saying "others" won't let me survive. Others aren't the focus of my pursuits.

DONALD But that's your problem. (Emphasis on "your") Don't you see, growing up is not learning what nonsense is, it's learning what to accept so you can be accepted.

JONNY Donald, you're headed for a difficult time, not me.

DONALD There you go with the be true to yourself stuff. Jonny, I have no use for the road you've taken. To be honest, I don't even care to help you save yourself. God will never forgive you for what you've done.

JONNY (Pause) It's true we have nothing in common.

DONALD I know you well enough to know you won't change for the sake of our friendship.

JONNY You're right.

DONALD I wish you luck. If you are right, then I am wrong. Our lives will be diametric opposites. One of us will fail and one will succeed.

JONNY I'm sure I'm right.

DONALD I'm not sure I am. And I hate you for being so certain. (JONNY places his hand on Donald's shoulder)

JONNY I understand.

DONALD No hard feelings?

JONNY No feelings, Donald. (Both boys begin walking away from each other, DONALD toward the library, and JONNY toward the left of the stage.)

CURTAIN

ACT 3 Scene IV

SETTING: The Park. Same as ACT 1 Scene I. Seated are JONNY and ALLAN, Hillary's father.

JONNY Thanks for meeting with me. I..I need someone to talk to.

ALLAN It's starting to get to you, isn't it?

JONNY I just don't understand why I'm getting so much hostility? Mom, Dad, Father Jones, Mr. Jacobs, Donald, even college students--everyone. They are all dead against me. What have I done?

ALLAN You've announced your dedication to reason.

JONNY But I've always thought this was a society where ideas were important, where it was accepted that you could be different and not suffer. Why can't they see I just want to live according to reason?

ALLAN You must distinguish between the truly evil types and the victims. Some have made careers cashing in on the absence of reason in our society. They hate you and will do everything they can to kill your independence. You're a threat to their con-game. But your parents have been under tremendous pressures all their lives. They've had their own personal values snuffed by their parents, the churches, the schools, and their peers. They're left with confusion and self-doubt. It all amounts to a juggernaut, a Kantian juggernaut destroying certainty and individualism in it's wake. It's cruel and vicious and evil. Few men see it, but the average person responds to it by conforming.

JONNY Why don't they see the evil?

ALLAN Their standard of the good requires submission, sacrifice, and acceptance. Those are the Kantian time bombs. Kant merely said, in so many words, you can't be sure of your own mind and you must do your duty. They are just obeying. Anyone who doesn't obey, well, he must be punished.

JONNY And so they punish without proper standards of good and evil?

ALLAN Their standards of good and evil are twisted, distorted out of all human proportion. That's why they oppose you openly and self-righteously.

JONNY And so they fear the opinions of others before they consider the truth?

ALLAN You understand that. That's what it amounts to. Because Kant destroyed reason and certainty, opinions become like the laws of nature, real, concrete and fearful. The man they fear most is the independent man. Since he stands alone, they hate him with an intensity equal to their fear.

JONNY Then I shouldn't be so confused by their efforts to control or confuse me. They are really responding to their own controls and confusion.

ALLAN I believe so. Except I don't think your parents hate you. They know no other way to respond to you. If they truly love you, they'll learn the only proper response is to be proud of you for the fine young man you are.

JONNY Thanks. But I'm thinking about the future too. I have to learn how to live in this world and still maintain my principles.

ALLAN Remember, the ideas of Objectivism are pro-life in the real sense of the word. Living by them means developing a code of values which is good for you. (Emphasis on "you") In a proper society, the result is most often good relations with others.

JONNY But if society is irrational, being irrational is the only way to fit in. (The following is said as a statement, not a question) Who wants to fit in? I'd rather stand alone.

ALLAN That's what we're talking about, isn't it? You'll be disenfranchised by many because of your independence. Learning how to deal with the unfairness of it will be a big task. You can succeed in this world, but it will be harder in some ways. Your good mind gives you ability and that will make it easier. There are many rational people and in many circles much is open to you. But, yes, you must learn to live in a world with a mixture of the rational and irrational.

JONNY You know, I feel like the world is opening up to me. In spite of everything that's been going on, I feel I can control the course of my life. With a proper philosophy so much is possible.

ALLAN Philosophy is the first practical study. It has fundamental application, whether people know it or not. Many people do not know who Kant was, but today, he fundamentally affects every life on earth-and, as we've seen, not for the better. Objectivism can affect it for the better.

JONNY I want to learn more about that.

ALLAN You'll find that Ayn Rand's is the best answer to Kant.

JONNY Thanks, Mr. Roberts, for talking to me today. You don't know how much it means to me to have someone understand.

ALLAN If you ever need to talk, don't forget, I am your friend. You're a fine young man going through a tough time. You need sound thinking now, and I think you're doing a great job. I'm proud to know you. By the way, what do you intend to do if your parents decide not to give in?

JONNY I've thought about a lot of options, but I'm sure, I'll have to find a place to live and get a job.

ALLAN Well, if it helps, you can stay with us until you get on your feet.

JONNY That helps. I really appreciate it. You know that I'm determined to be free of their controls, don't you?

ALLAN I've fought similar battles. I know you have no choice if you truly understand the issues.(He puts his hand on JONNY'S shoulder) And you do understand them.

JONNY (Pause) Talking to you today has reminded me of my father.

ALLAN Your father?

JONNY Yes, when I was a first grader, I remember sitting at the kitchen table while Dad read the paper. He was discussing some issue with Mom, commenting on the news. He seemed so sure of himself, so knowledgeable. I don't even remember what he was discussing, or whether he was right. But I remember thinking, someday, I'm going to be like that. I think at that moment I believed Dad was the most intelligent man in the world. I really admired him then. At some point, I stopped measuring him against that vision. But I've always held it as a goal for myself. After meeting you, I know it's still possible to admire intelligence. Thanks.

ALLAN I don't think I've ever heard a finer compliment. Thank you, Jonny.

CURTAIN

ACT 3 SCENE V

SETTING: Park scene. Same as in ACT 1 Scene I.

ENTER ANDREW and COLLEEN. They stroll to the park bench and sit.

COLLEEN Well, it's been two weeks since we told Jonny we would need some time.

ANDREW I know.

COLLEEN We shouldn't keep him waiting.

ANDREW You're right.

COLLEEN What have you been thinking these last two weeks?

ANDREW I wish I didn’t have to think about it.

COLLEEN So do I. I just wish we could move time back a few weeks to when he was our little boy, without all those questions, all those "independent" ideas. It seems so bizarre.

ANDREW With a son as wonderful as Jonny was.

COLLEEN He's still a fine son.

ANDREW Yes.

COLLEEN I suppose we could take a stand, say our views are equal to his, posture that we are sure of ourselves, force him to do as we say, but we'd be bluffing.

ANDREW What do you mean?

COLLEEN Well, he’s started me thinking. We have blindly accepted everything we were taught as children. We don't have reasons for our opinions. Not really, we just do what our parents did and we thought that it must be good.

ANDREW Hmmm. Could it be like Jonny says; we are against independence?

COLLEEN Haven't we always been taught to subdue the individuality in ourselves? I mean, I’ve always thought it was reasonable to do and think as we’ve been taught. Now, I wonder what reason is.

ANDREW And we've been trained to feel guilty for personal pleasures. Listen to Father Jones, it's there. What a strange man. Do you think Jonny is right?

COLLEEN I'm not sure who's right. I know I've reacted emotionally. And I know that he'd resent us for the rest of his life if we continued treating him like he’s just a misguided fool.

ANDREW I've read THE VIRTUE OF SELFISHNESS. I can't say I agree with her. That would be going too far. But I do think many of the issues she raises are important, now that I've actually examined them.

COLLEEN (Pause) You know, in spite of what Father Jones says, we're able to say these things because we are secular. We can be reasonable when we try. Right?

ANDREW The question is, what is reasonable? We shouldn't ostracize our own son.

COLLEEN What we need is a truce. A period of transition, so we can assimilate his views and clarify our own.

ANDREW So we've decided to respect that line he's drawn?

COLLEEN While we try to grow to a level where we each have an understanding. I'm not sure it will be easy.

ANDREW Why not?

COLLEEN He'll want reasons for our decisions, "proper" reasons. That's a challenge I never expected as a parent. (Pause) I never expected to be disarmed like this. I never thought I'd have to say, "I don't know who is right. I have no way of proving what I believe."

ANDREW That's because we don't know how to approach the issues.

COLLEEN I know. I actually envy Jonny for his independence. And I wonder what's wrong with us that we've been so unquestioning in our own lives. (Pause) It's a big issue. Do we have the courage to confront it?

ANDREW I'm not sure. I'm sure it represents a crossroads of some kind.

ANDREW (Pause) We have to move into the future. Well... (Pause-very uncomfortable for both of them) How should we handle this truce? Should we agree with him?

COLLEEN No, he'd see through it. But we should support him in some way. Do you realize how much animosity he'll face as he grows up?

ANDREW Yes. If he fights for his ideas. Even though he's not afraid of "the neighbors," they will be hateful.

COLLEEN As his parents, we have to be beacons of support, giving him a haven, you might say, for times when he's frustrated or defeated by the world.

ANDREW Well, Honey, I guess we have a hard battle ahead of us too. I feel better, though, knowing we can look forward to being positive elements in his life, and not part of what he can expect from the world.

COLLEEN Me too--much better. We've made a significant step.

ANDREW We'll talk to him tomorrow. (She touches his hand)

CURTAIN

ACT 3 Scene VI

SETTING: The PAYNE living room. Seated are ANDREW and COLLEEN.

ANDREW Well, I guess today is the day.

COLLEEN Yes.

ANDREW Where is Jonny?

COLLEEN In his room. I'll get him. (EXIT COLLEEN. In a few seconds ENTER JONNY and COLLEEN)

JONNY Yes, Dad?

ANDREW Son, please sit down. (JONNY sits on the couch opposite his father) It's time we talked about our recent differences. Your mother and I have thought long and hard about the ultimatum you gave us a few weeks ago. I don't think we need to go into great detail about the fact that we've not agreed with your choice of philosophies. It's time we gave you an answer. (Pause) This ordeal has taught us a lot about ourselves. What we learned was not easy to admit. But it's true. We were not as questioning as you about what we were taught as children and young adults. We weren't given a standard for such questioning, nor did we develop our own standard as you have apparently done. Those early teachings have been the foundation of our raising you and we seem to have accepted the idea that children have to be forced to be moral, that they have to be monitored constantly. You are not the kind of child who needs to be monitored, are you?

JONNY No.

COLLEEN We have come to realize that.

ANDREW Our responsibilities as parents do not include determining what you will think as an adult. I don't think we ever realized that.

JONNY Yes?

ANDREW So we are going to declare a truce.

COLLEEN Certainly, it is our job to make sure you understand the morality which we feel is correct. But until we can clarify our own views, we'll not impose dogmatic ideas. At least, now, we understand that we've had no basis for our objections to you. You have helped us discover that. We've made a big step.

JONNY You've traveled a million miles. I'm proud of you.

ANDREW You see, we thought our values and standards were beyond challenge. We never dreamed our child would ask, "Why?"

JONNY Ayn Rand challenges all your beliefs and traditions.

ANDREW This we know. And you don't know how hard it's been for us coming to grips with the fact that we had no response. We realize it's your right to question any belief you choose.

JONNY Dad, you don't know how good that makes me feel.

(JONNY rushes to his parents and hugs them. They embrace for a few seconds.)

ANDREW We love you, son.

JONNY (After a pause, he goes back to his seat) Well, where do we go from here?

ANDREW It's going to take time, getting to know each other, but I think we need to...talk. We don't have to go back to Dr. Jacobs for that.

JONNY Good!!

COLLEEN If we approach this with the right balance of reason and tolerance, we'll make it.

JONNY And if we disagree?

ANDREW Then we must give each other the benefit of the doubt.

JONNY If we still disagree?

ANDREW Well, we have a truce. (They laugh)

JONNY It won't be easy, I'm sure.

COLLEEN It will be much easier than what we've lived through. After all, we still have our love for each other. That has to come first.

JONNY What about Hillary? I want to see her.

ANDREW We're sure she's a fine young lady.

JONNY Thanks. (Pause) It's great knowing you aren't against me...well, it is important to me. Thanks.

ANDREW and COLLEEN You're welcome.

JONNY Can I go see Hillary now?

ANDREW Sure.

EXIT JONNY-RATHER QUICKLY. ANDREW AND COLEEN HUG ONE ANOTHER FOR A FEW MINUTES.

CURTAIN

ACT 3 Scene VII

SETTING: Park bench. Seated are JONNY and HILLARY.

JONNY I feel relieved, free.

HILLARY I'm happy for you.

JONNY But my experiences have proven that pursuing the highest values can be very treacherous, dangerous.

HILLARY Not as dangerous as not pursuing them.

JONNY I know. But the cruelty I'll face won't be easy to deal with.

HILLARY How right you are. But your life will be easier than Donald's.

JONNY Yes. (Pause) Now I understand the myths about the god who brought knowledge and light to man. I never saw why they chose to punish him. Whether he was a great inventor, intellectual, or just a high school boy who read books others feared; they were punished because they stood alone and didn't mind doing it.

HILLARY Now you know it's no myth.

JONNY But what makes me different? Why was I attracted to Objectivism while my father didn't think it was worth reading? Why didn't I get bored like Donald?

HILLARY I think you first have to start with a basic commitment to truth and right no matter what others think. It's not a formal thing, but it is the seed that grows into a wonderful mind if taken care of.

JONNY I had that. (Pause) But a lot of people are like that, even non-Objectivists. Why was I attracted to Objectivism?

HILLARY You had more ambition. In order to find an active intellectual life, you had to find a method for validating those views you hadn't spelled out. You needed to know them in your own way according to a proper method. That's something I saw the minute I met you.

JONNY That's right. When Ayn Rand introduced reason and logic, I had found the method.

HILLARY And the possibilities opened up, for you... (She smiles)

JONNY You're wonderful.

HILLARY So are you. (She touches his hand)

JONNY (Pause) But I wonder about those people who have accepted the idea that selfishness is evil.

HILLARY Can you imagine the kind of world it would be without the idea that men should be punished for their independence?

JONNY You know, I think I would enjoy nothing better than helping to build that world, helping future generations make it real. Ayn Rand helped me understand the issue, now I must learn more and teach. I'm going to be a philosopher.

HILLARY Be a great one.

JONNY (He stands but faces her) I feel like a heavy weight has been lifted and a lighter one has taken its place. A weight I want to bear for my own sake. I'm proud to be me. I'll never let anyone control me again.(He reaches for her hand. Once she is standing, he moves to face her. They embrace.) I'm beginning to understand what freedom means.

THE END

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