David Boaz
| David Boaz | |
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| Personal Details | |
| Birth: | August 29, 1953 Mayfield, Kentucky |
| Death: | June 7, 2024 (aged 70) Arlington, Virginia |
| Education: | Vanderbilt University (BA) |
| Occupation: | Author, Philosopher, Editor |
| Party: | Libertarian |
| Twitter: | |
David Douglas Boaz (August 29, 1953 – June 7, 2024) was an American author, philosopher, and editor. He was a distinguished senior fellow and the executive vice president of the Cato Institute, an American libertarian think tank.
Boaz was one of the most prominent libertarian thinkers of the past half-century. He authored significant works such as The Libertarian Mind: A Manifesto for Freedom and The Politics of Freedom, and edited The Libertarian Reader: Classic and Contemporary Writings from Lao-tzu to Milton Friedman. His efforts were pivotal in moving libertarianism from the margins to the mainstream of American politics.
Boaz joined the Cato Institute in 1981 and played an essential role in its development, helping it grow from a small operation into a leading think tank with a global presence. He was instrumental in shaping the course of libertarian thought and was known for his exceptional scholarship, integrity, and standards for excellence.
Early Life and Education
Boaz was born on August 29, 1953, in Mayfield, Kentucky. He developed an interest in libertarianism during his adolescence, influenced by works such as Henry Hazlitt's Economics in One Lesson, Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, and Barry Goldwater's The Conscience of a Conservative. Boaz graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville with a bachelor's degree in history in 1975.
Career
Before joining the Cato Institute, Boaz co-managed Ed Clark's 1978 campaign for governor of California and later worked on Clark's 1980 presidential campaign as the Libertarian Party nominee. He also served as the editor of New Guard magazine and executive director of the Council for a Competitive Economy.
At Cato, Boaz quickly scaled the leadership ranks and became widely recognized as one of the key leaders who helped grow Cato into a significant presence in the Washington policy world. He contributed prolifically to major newspapers and was a frequent guest on national television and radio shows.
Legacy
Boaz's influence extended beyond his written works and public appearances. He was an authoritative commentator on various issues, including education choice, government growth, drug legalization, and marriage equality. His efforts in advocating for civil liberties and personal freedom were instrumental in the expansion of rights for same-sex couples and the growing movement toward marijuana legalization.