John Kenneth Galbraith dies at 97
The renowned liberal economist John Kenneth Galbraith died Saturday at the age of 97. [BBC]
I read "The New Industrial State" around the time I started my former life in advertising. The whole enterprise came into focus for me when I read Galbraith's characterization of the advertising industry as "the apparatus of persuasion and exhortation."
He was always my very definition of a handsome "older man."
Posted by: mudkitty | April 30, 2006 at 01:05 PM
I have always thought of Galbraith as one the great Canadian thinkers. I love discussing him with students in my business ethics seminars.
Posted by: Brendan | April 30, 2006 at 02:29 PM
Galbraith had a huge impact on moving me from the right to the left during my formative years. The phrase "private wealth, public squalor" still rings true 3+ decades after he penned them.
Posted by: ballgame | April 30, 2006 at 02:59 PM
I have been browsing my usual eco-blogs and reading various comments. The comparison to Thorsten Veblen is apt. "Real economists" don't think that much of either TV or JKG because neither could produce the mystical equations, charts, and stats that are the reactionary numerological quasi-cult that is modern economics.
I don't blame JKG for Reagonomics, but blame the Laputans who rejected his compassion and responsibility for its lack of elegance and rigour.
Posted by: bob mcmanus | April 30, 2006 at 03:18 PM
The numbers underlying economic activity are vital, but too often "real economists" know 'the price of everything and the value of nothing'.
Posted by: ballgame | April 30, 2006 at 03:26 PM
May he rest in peace.
Posted by: John | April 30, 2006 at 04:57 PM
Jane Jacobs died this week, too -- between them she and JKG had a massive influence on my own worldview. May they both rest in peace, and may we all enjoy such long, productive lives.
Posted by: Gritsforbreakfast | May 01, 2006 at 09:39 AM