Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Date of Birth: March 16, 1927

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: March 26, 2003

Biography

Daniel Patrick Moynihan was an American politician, diplomat, and sociologist who served as a U.S. Senator from New York from 1977 to 2001. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Moynihan was raised in New York City, where he attended high school and later graduated from Tufts University. He earned a Ph.D. in sociology from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and embarked on a career in academia and public service. Moynihan’s political career began in the 1960s when he served in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, where he became known for his work on urban poverty and social policy. His 1965 report, “The Negro Family: The Case for National Action,” often referred to as the Moynihan Report, highlighted the issue of family structure in African American communities and sparked significant debate. In the 1970s, Moynihan served as the U.S. Ambassador to India and later to the United Nations. His diplomatic work was marked by his efforts to improve U.S. relations and his outspoken critiques of international policies. As a senator, Moynihan was known for his independent thinking and willingness to cross party lines. He worked on a wide range of issues, including welfare reform, transportation infrastructure, and Social Security. He was also a prolific writer, authoring numerous books on social policy, politics, and history.

5 Interesting Facts about Daniel Patrick Moynihan

1. Daniel Patrick Moynihan was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, in 2000.

2. He served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 1975 to 1976.

3. Moynihan was known for his colorful bow ties, which became his signature style.

4. He co-authored the book “Beyond the Melting Pot” with Nathan Glazer, which examined the ethnic groups of New York City.

5. Moynihan held the longest tenure of any senator from New York, serving for 24 years.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Daniel Patrick Moynihan

1. “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.”

2. “If you don’t have 30 years to devote to social policy, don’t get involved.”

3. “The single most exciting thing you encounter in government is competence, because it’s so rare.”

4. “The central conservative truth is that it is culture, not politics, that determines the success of a society.”

5. “Secrecy is for losers. For people who do not know how important the information really is.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Daniel Patrick Moynihan had three children with his wife, Elizabeth Brennan Moynihan: 1. Timothy Patrick Moynihan 2. Maura Russell Moynihan 3. John McCloskey Moynihan