May 2, 1964
Mr. Thomas A. Bond
Curriculum Office -152
Penn Hills Senior High School
12200 Garland Drive
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15235
Dear Mr. Bond:
Thank you for your letter of April 2nd.
Please tell your student that I appreciate his intention in designing the “Rand Temple” (provided he understands that I do not advocate such a thing in reality). Speaking symbolically, if the figures are dubbed “John and Dagny,” their positions should be reversed, because an ideal woman is a man-worshipper, and an ideal man is the highest symbol of mankind.
Speaking seriously, I was very happy to know your own attitude toward my books. I know the crucial importance of schools in determining the direction of a culture—and I realize the importance of the influence which a man in your position can have on young students and, therefore, on the future.
Cordially,
Ayn Rand
AR:dk