Gene Epstein
| Gene Epstein | |
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| Personal Details | |
| Birth: | November 19, 1944 |
| Education: | Bachelor of Arts (Brandeis University), Master of Arts in Economics (New School) |
| Occupation: | Economist, Author, Moderator |
| Residence: | Downtown Manhattan |
| Party: | Libertarian Party |
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| Twitter: | |
Gene Epstein is a prominent American economist, known for his significant contributions to libertarian economics and his role as the director and co-founder of the highly acclaimed Soho Forum. With a career spanning several decades, Epstein has made substantial strides in economic journalism, education, and the promotion of libertarian ideas.
Early Life and Education
Epstein began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandeis University. He continued his studies, earning a Master of Arts in economics from the New School. His educational background laid the foundation for a career marked by teaching economics at esteemed institutions such as St. John's University and the City University of New York, where he shared his expertise with aspiring economists.
Career Highlights
Epstein's career trajectory led him to write the book "Making Money in Commodities" in 1976, showcasing his knowledge of financial markets. He later served as a senior economist at the New York Stock Exchange, contributing his economic insights to the heart of the financial world.
In 1993, Epstein joined Barron's Magazine, where he held the position of Economics and Books Editor for 26 years until his retirement in 2018. During this period, he authored the weekly column "Economic Beat," becoming a trusted source of economic analysis and information for readers.
In 2006, Epstein published "Econospinning: How to Read between the Lines when the Media Manipulate the Numbers," a book that garnered attention for its critical examination of the media's manipulation of economic data, sparking debates and discussions in the blogosphere.
Libertarian Advocate and Scholar
Epstein is a fervent advocate for libertarianism and aligns himself with the Austrian school of economics. His commitment to libertarian principles is further demonstrated through his role as an associated scholar at the Ludwig von Mises Institute in Auburn, Alabama.
In 2016, Epstein co-founded the Soho Forum, a monthly debate series that has become a cornerstone of the libertarian community in Manhattan. The Soho Forum, sponsored by the Reason Foundation, aims to foster intellectual discussion and enhance social and professional connections among libertarians. Notably, Epstein participated in one of the most widely viewed debates held at the Soho Forum, where he engaged in a spirited discussion with Richard D. Wolff on the fundamental issues of socialism and capitalism.
Epstein's dedication to libertarian ideals extends to his regular appearances on prominent libertarian podcasts, including "The Tom Woods Show" and "Lions of Liberty," where he continues to share his insights and promote libertarian principles.
Personal Life
Epstein resides in downtown Manhattan with his wife, the renowned artist Hisako Kobayashi. Beyond his professional endeavors, Epstein's personal life reflects his passion for art and culture, making him a well-rounded and influential figure in both the economic and artistic communities.