In 1964, at the age of 16, on the first night of my first ever trip to New York City, I went to a lecture by Nathaniel Branden.  Ayn Rand arrived late for the Q&A session—Nathan had to wing it until she finally showed up—but when she did ultimately walk in, the room was like a monastery.  She was mesmerizing.  The experience ranks up there with the most unforgettable moments of my life.