Michael Novak

Michael John Novak Jr. was born on September 9, 1933, and passed away on February 17, 2017. He was a prominent American Catholic philosopher, journalist, novelist, and diplomat, whose intellectual contributions spanned over four decades. Novak authored more than forty books, with his most notable work being 'The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism,' published in 1982. His writings often explored the intersections of capitalism, religion, and the politics of democratization.

In recognition of his commitment to liberty, Novak received an honorary doctorate from Universidad Francisco Marroquín in 1993. The following year, he was awarded the prestigious Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion, which came with a significant purse of one million dollars, presented at Buckingham Palace. His influence extended beyond literature, as he actively engaged in political discourse and served in various diplomatic roles.

Novak held the position of United States Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights during 1981 and 1982. He also led the U.S. delegation to the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1986. His political involvement included serving on the board of directors of the Coalition for a Democratic Majority, a conservative faction within the Democratic Party that aimed to steer its policies in a more anti-Communist direction.

As a scholar, Novak was the George Frederick Jewett Scholar in Religion, Philosophy, and Public Policy at the American Enterprise Institute. In 2004, he identified as a lifelong Democrat while also expressing support for various Republican candidates. His views on George W. Bush were nuanced; he appreciated the charisma of one of Bush's speeches but did not fully align with him as a conservative.