Lord Ralph Harris, one of the founders of the Institute for Economic Affairs, passed away last week at the age of 81.
I first met Lord Harris about 15 years ago at a Mont Pelerin Society meeting. He was gracious and encouraging to me as a young scholar studying market economics and particular the thought of F. A. Hayek. We, in fact, raised a glass and gave a toast to Hayek.
I had met Arthur Seldon earlier and he also was intellectual alive and pushed young scholars to think seriously about market ideas.
Harris and Seldon are among the best examples of how ideas can change the world. The founding of the IEA was a pivotal moment in the revival of the classical liberal argument in the English speaking world. Hayek, Friedman, Buchanan, and Coase all have ties to IEA—Hayek and Buchanan especially have deep ties.
I just spoke at IEA last night (Tuesday 24th of October) on the work that I am directing at the Mercatus Center on post-Katrina response and recovery effort. John and Christine Blundell were excellent hosts as usual and the room was full of students from the London area.
The passing of these great men such as Seldon and Harris who had the courage of their convictions, and more importantly the courage to withstand the critique of their convictions in public debate, is always a sad moment. But the best way to honor these men is to work hard in refining the craft of writing and speaking sensible economics and providing sound public policy statements.
So lets raise a glass "To Lord Ralph Harris".
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