Michael Novak

Michael Novak was a prolific author, philosopher, theologian, and diplomat who made groundbreaking contributions in the spiritual foundations of economic and political systems. His book, The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism, and other writings were used by dissidents of Charter 77 and Civic Forum behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia and earned recognition from world leaders such as Pope John Paul II, Margaret Thatcher, Lech Walesa, and Václav Havel. For 11 years, Novak served on the boards of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty. He worked as a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research in Washington, D.C. for over three decades and was named the George Frederick Jewett Chair in religion and public policy. Novak also served as U.S. Ambassador to the UN’s Human Rights Commission. A descendent of Slovak immigrants, Novak obtained a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Stonehill College, a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and a Master of Arts in History and Philosophy of Religion degree from Harvard University. He taught at prestigious universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Syracuse, Notre Dame, and Ave Maria, and launched a new humanities program for the Rockefeller Foundation. Novak was a prolific author, having written or edited over 50 books, including two novels and one book of verse. His achievements were recognized with 27 honorary degrees and several awards, such as the Friend of Freedom Award from the Coalition for a Democratic Majority, the George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedom Foundation, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. His leadership in theological and philosophical discourse was ultimately recognized with the prestigious 1994 Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion.