Date of Birth: September 9, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: February 17, 2017
Biography
Michael Novak was an American philosopher, theologian, and author, born on September 9, 1933, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He was a prominent figure known for his work in the philosophy of religion, economics, and culture. Novak earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy and English from Stonehill College in 1956, and then continued his studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He later obtained a master’s degree from Harvard University in 1966. Novak began his career as a journalist and author, writing for various publications and contributing to academic discourse on the intersections of faith, economics, and democratic capitalism. His most influential work, “The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism” (1982), argued for the moral and philosophical underpinnings of capitalism, which contrasted with the prevailing views of the time. Throughout his career, Novak held various academic positions, including teaching roles at Harvard University, the University of Notre Dame, and the American Enterprise Institute, where he served as a resident scholar in religion, philosophy, and public policy. He was a recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion in 1994. Michael Novak passed away on February 17, 2017, leaving behind a legacy of profound contributions to the understanding of the moral dimensions of capitalism and the role of religion in public life.
5 Interesting Facts about Michael Novak
1. Michael Novak was awarded the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion in 1994.
2. He served as a U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in 1981.
3. Novak wrote more than 40 books throughout his career, covering a wide range of topics from theology to economics.
4. He was a founding board member of the Institute on Religion and Democracy.
5. Novak’s book “The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism” was initially published underground in Poland during the communist era.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Michael Novak
1. “Capitalism is a moral system, though not one that can be reduced to pure logic.”
2. “The most creative and dynamic force in history is human freedom.”
3. “A society that denies free choice is a society that stifles human potential.”
4. “The spirit of democratic capitalism is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition.”
5. “True religion is not about escaping the world but about engaging with it in a meaningful way.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Michael Novak is not publicly documented.
Children
Michael Novak had three children: Richard Novak, Tanya Novak, and Jana Novak.
Relevant Links
1. [Michael Novak – American Enterprise Institute](https://www.aei.org/profile/michael-novak/
2. [Michael Novak – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Novak
4. [Obituary – The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/17/us/michael-novak-dead.html
