Paul Samuelson on His 90th Birthday

Abstract

Editor’s Introduction

Originally published in Volume 51, Number 2, Fall 2007, page 39. John Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2006) was one of the leading voices of American liberalism during the latter half of the twentieth century. Even though Professor Galbraith served on the economics faculty of Harvard University for fifty years, he is remembered today more for his role as a public intellectual and policy advisor to presidents than for his academic contributions to economic theory. Intensely interested in public policy, Professor Galbraith served several presidential administrations, including time as Ambassador to India under John F. Kennedy. During his lengthy career, he authored numerous bestselling books, including the influential The Affluent Society in 1958 and, The New Industrial State in 1967. In this short paper published posthumously, Professor Galbraith celebrates the 90^th birthday of another prominent economist of his generation, Paul Samuelson. Professor Galbraith outlines his views on Samuelson’s impact on the profession and posterity.