On Friday, January 28, 2022, we gathered at the historic Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Florida for our first Common Sense Society Conference & Gala. Thank you for joining us in honoring those who inspire human flourishing and in celebrating liberty, prosperity, and beauty.
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.
Presentation of the inaugural Sir Roger Scruton Prize to Dr. Jordan B. Peterson; professor, clinical psychologist, and international best-selling author
Presentation of The Common Sense Courage Award to Ms. Rosa María Payá, democracy and human rights activist
Orchestral tribute in solidarity with the captive nations of Cuba and Venezuela featuring Latin American composers, conducted by Jan Wagner
Panel 1: The Future of American Education
On this panel we heard directly from educational entrepreneurs who are rebuilding our educational institutions and articulating a truthful American narrative that can bind us together as one people. Panelists included:
Dr. Panayiotis Kanelos, The University of Austin founding trustee and president
Mr. Adam Kissel, Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy senior fellow and West Virginia Professional Charter School Board chairman
The Hon. Jon Parrish Peede, CSS senior fellow and former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities (moderator)
Dr. David C. Rose, CSS senior fellow and University of Missouri—St. Louis professor of economics
Panel 2: Woke Capitalism
This panel explored woke capital’s dangers to liberty and prosperity—including the threat posed by stakeholder capitalism and critical race theory—and addressed how we can work together to solve these problems. Panelists included:
Mr. Alex Cranberg, Aspect Energy chairman
Prof. Niall Ferguson, CSS trustee
Dr. Michael Rectenwald, American Scholars chief academic officer and co-founder
Mr. Chris Wright, Liberty Oilfield Services chairman and C.E.O.
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
2022 Host Committee
Governor Ron DeSantis, Honorary Chairman
Mr. Thomas Peterffy and Ms. Lynne Wheat, Co-Chairs
Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Cathy Cranberg
Professor Niall Ferguson
Mr. Léon Krier
Mr. and Mrs. Alexandre and Kate Pesey
Mr. Peter Rauwerda
The Honorable Dennis Ross and Mrs. Cindy Ross
Mr. and Mrs. Christian and Andrea Sauska
Lady Scruton
Mr. and Mrs. Marion and Anna Smith Lacey
Drs. Omar and Josefina Vento
2022 Sponsors
GOLD
Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Cathy Cranberg
Mr. Thomas Peterffy and Ms. Lynne Wheat
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. and Diane Smith
SILVER
Mr. Andrew Beck and Mr. Austin Stone
The Claremont Institute
Classic Learning Test
Mr. and Mrs. Pepe and Emilia Fanjul
Mr. and Mrs. Howard and Michele Kessler
Ms. Hildegarde E. Mahoney
Marblegate Asset Management
Mr. Robert A. Merrill
Mr. and Mrs. John and Amy Phelan
Mr. and Mrs. Christian and Andrea Sauska
Tree of Life Foundation International
Drs. Omar and Josefina Vento
BRONZE
Barnes International Realty
The Breakers
Civic Enterprises
Iron Light
Ambassador and Mrs. Earl I. Mack
Mr. Thomas F. McWilliams
Mr. Eugene F. Megyesy, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Steve and Christine Schwarzman
Mr. and Mrs. Davey and Jenna Talbot
Mr. and Mrs. Leo and Kathryn Vecellio
Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Susan Wright
Common Sense Society is a nonprofit, educational, tax-exempt organization within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to CSS are deductible to the fullest extent provided by law.