Michael Novak
Michael Novak
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Michael Novak was born as Michael Dimitri Sakovich on September 9, 1933. He is commonly known by his adopted surname, Novak.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: September 9, 1933
Died: February 17, 2017
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Michael Novak was an American philosopher, writer, and diplomat. He served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights from 1981 to 1988.
Early Life and Background
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Novak was born in Beijing, China, to Russian Orthodox parents who were professors at the time. His family moved to the United States when he was a child, settling in Detroit, Michigan. Novak grew up in a household that valued education and the arts. He developed an early interest in philosophy, which would shape his future career.
Major Accomplishments
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United Nations Ambassador: Novak served as the US Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights from 1981 to 1988.
Pulitzer Prize Nominee: His book "The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism" was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1990.
Academic Career: Novak taught at several universities, including Stanford University and Ave Maria University.Notable Works or Actions
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Novak's notable works include:
"The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism" (1982) - This book explores the relationship between democracy and capitalism.
* "Freedom with Justice: The Human Condition" (1999) - In this work, Novak examines the concept of freedom in different cultures.
Impact and Legacy
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Michael Novak's contributions to philosophy, politics, and literature have had a lasting impact on his readers. His writings continue to inspire new generations of thinkers and policymakers. Novak's legacy is marked by his dedication to promoting democracy, human rights, and the free market.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Michael Novak is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful writings on democracy, capitalism, and human freedom. His advocacy for democratic capitalism has influenced policymakers and business leaders around the world. As a scholar, diplomat, and writer, Novak's impact extends far beyond his individual works, shaping the global conversation about economic and political systems.
Through his writing and public service, Michael Novak leaves behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and educate readers worldwide.
Quotes by Michael Novak
A friend asks if I know the difference between a saint and a martyr: A saint is someone who radiates goodness and bears no faults. A martyr is someone who lives with a saint.
What is the most effective, practical way of raising the wealth of nations? What causes wealth? I have come to think that the dream of democratic socialism is inferior to the dream of democratic capitalism, and that the latter’s superiority in actual practice is undeniable.
Command by instinct is swifter, subtler, deeper, more accurate, more in touch with reality than command by conscious mind. The discovery takes one’s breath away.
You’re a sovereign as a citizen. If you’re not involved in your government, you’re not doing your job. In the long run that’s very bad for the Republic.
Don’t be afraid of anything. We’ve seen so much suffering and evil in the 20th century and we got through it. We can go on. God is with us. God will help us. Trust Him.
Individual freedom is a Jewish idea, but it’s one of the functions of Christianity to make this idea universal.
Everything I do that I’m enthusiastic about. This is genuine enthusiasm. If I don’t – I mean I’ve done other projects that I have not been a fan of until I realized I was doing it and I wasn’t really there. And I don’t do those anymore.
Our Founders always wondered about how long it would last. The price of liberty is everlasting vigilance. You’ve got to be on your guard every minute or you will lose it.
In most of history, societies have not been free. It’s a very rare society that is free. The default condition of human societies is tyranny.
