On Friday, January 28, 2022, we gathered at the historic Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Florida for the first Common Sense Society Conference & Gala. Established in cooperation with the Common Sense Society, the Sir Roger Scruton Prize is awarded annually at the annual gala to individuals distinguished by a lifetime of achievement that has advanced the humanities.
Scruton Prize laureates are known for their contributions to political life, academic research, the natural or built environment, the fine arts, and broadening the public’s understanding of Western civilization and the institutions that support civil society. The Prize consists of a $50,000 cash award and a silver medal designed by classical artist Michael Curtis.
Silver medal designed by classical artist Michael Curtis.
2022 Conference & Gala Highlights
Mr. Thomas Peterffy, Common Sense Society Chairman and Founder and Chairman of Interactive Brokers, delivered remarks at the 2022 Common Sense Conference and Gala. He recounted his experiences growing up and attending university in socialist Hungary, his immigration to the United States, and his ongoing dedication to promoting the foundational ideas of human flourishing through Common Sense Society.
Prof. Niall Ferguson, Common Sense Society Trustee, delivered the keynote address during the Gala Dinner Program. He addressed liberty, "wokeism", free thought, free speech, and free debate, and honored the life and memory of the late Sir Roger Scruton (1944 - 2020).
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis delivered a special address during the Gala Dinner Program. He also served as the 2022 Common Sense Society Gala Host Committee Honorary Chairman.
Conference Program Recordings
Panel 1: The Future of American Education
On this panel we will hear directly from educational entrepreneurs who are rebuilding our educational institutions and articulating a truthful American narrative that can bind us together as one people. Moderated by The Hon. Jon Parrish Peede, Senior Fellow at Common Sense Society and former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, panelists include:
Dr. Panayiotis Kanelos, Founding Trustee and President of The University of Austin
Mr. Adam Kissel, Senior Fellow at the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy and Chairman of the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board
Dr. David C. Rose, Senior Fellow at Common Sense Society and Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri—St. Louis
Panel 2: Woke Capitalism
This panel explores woke capital’s dangers to liberty and prosperity—including the threat posed by stakeholder capitalism and critical race theory—and addresses how we can work together to solve these problems. Moderated by Mrs. Hanna Janossy, deployment strategist and Common Sense Society alumna, panelists include:
Mr. Alex Cranberg, Chairman of Aspect Energy
Prof. Niall Ferguson, Common Sense Society Trustee
Dr. Michael Rectenwald, Chief Academic Officer and Co-Founder of American Scholars
Mr. Chris Wright, Chairman and CEO of Liberty Oilfield Services
A Conversation with Dr. Jordan B. Peterson
Moderated by Maestro Ignat Solzhenitsyn, Conductor Laureate of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and Principal Guest Conductor of the Moscow Symphony Orchestra