Michael Harrington

Date of Birth: February 24, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: July 31, 1989

Biography

Michael Harrington, born on February 24, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, was a prominent American writer, political activist, and social critic. He is best known for his book “The Other America: Poverty in the United States,” published in 1962, which played a crucial role in shaping public policy and influencing the War on Poverty initiated by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Harrington was a leading intellectual in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and a vocal advocate for social justice, economic equality, and labor rights. He dedicated his career to addressing the issues of poverty and inequality and remained an influential figure in American political thought until his death on July 31, 1989.

5 Interesting Facts about Michael Harrington

1. Michael Harrington coined the term “The Other America” to describe the hidden poverty that existed in the United States during the prosperous post-World War II era.

2. His book “The Other America” is credited with inspiring President Kennedy and later President Johnson to address poverty, leading to the creation of Medicare, Medicaid, and food stamps.

3. Harrington was a member of the Catholic Worker Movement and worked alongside Dorothy Day, which deeply influenced his views on social justice and activism.

4. He served as the chairman of the Democratic Socialists of America from its founding in 1982 until his death in 1989.

5. Harrington was a professor of political science at Queens College of the City University of New York, where he inspired many students with his teachings on social policy and political theory.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Michael Harrington

1. “The real issue is not whether to be a socialist, but what kind of socialism to advocate.”

2. “America cannot afford to have a conscience; it is too expensive.”

3. “Poverty is not one problem. Poverty is a collection of problems.”

4. “To be truly radical is to make hope possible, rather than despair convincing.”

5. “There are two things people should not be too curious about: love and politics.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Michael Harrington’s net worth is not well-documented, as his primary focus was on social activism and writing rather than personal wealth accumulation.