Gerard Debreu

Date of Birth: July 4, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: December 31, 2004

Biography

Gérard Debreu was a French-American economist and mathematician, renowned for his significant contributions to the field of economics, particularly in the theory of general equilibrium. Born in Calais, France, Debreu eventually became a naturalized American citizen and spent much of his academic career in the United States. Debreu’s most notable work was the rigorous mathematical formulation of the concept of general equilibrium, which he presented in his seminal book, “Theory of Value: An Axiomatic Analysis of Economic Equilibrium,” published in 1959. This work earned him the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1983, highlighting his contributions to the field. He started his academic journey at the École Normale Supérieure in Paris, where he studied mathematics. During World War II, he served in the French Army and later joined the French Resistance. After the war, Debreu continued his studies and shifted his focus to economics, eventually moving to the United States in 1950. Debreu held academic positions at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Chicago and the University of California, Berkeley, where he worked until his retirement. Throughout his career, Debreu received numerous honors and awards, reflecting his profound impact on both mathematics and economics.

5 Interesting Facts about Gerard Debreu

1. Gérard Debreu was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1983 for his work on general equilibrium theory.

2. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1975.

3. Debreu was a member of the French Resistance during World War II.

4. His book “Theory of Value: An Axiomatic Analysis of Economic Equilibrium” is considered a cornerstone in the field of economics.

5. Debreu was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1977.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gerard Debreu

1. “In the long run, theory is a great equalizer of intellectual power.”

2. “Mathematics brought rigor to economics, and economics brought purpose to mathematics.”

3. “The beauty of mathematics only shows itself to more patient followers.”

4. “Economic theory is not a picture of the real world but a tool to understand it.”

5. “The aim of mathematical economics is to show that economic concepts can be expressed in a precise and clear form.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Gérard Debreu is not publicly documented, but as a Nobel laureate and a professor at prestigious universities, his financial status was considered comfortable.