Leonard E. Read

1898–1983

Nationality: American

Historical Period: The 20th Century and Beyond

Leonard Read, American founder and president of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), had a lifelong devotion to educating people about freedom in down-to-earth ways that would stick with them. His most famous essay, “I, Pencil,” was first published in the December 1958 issue of The Freeman. It has influenced generations of economists, including Milton Friedman, through its charm and clarity.

Quotes from Leonard E. Read:

• Leonard E. Read on Ludwig von Mises as the economic dictator

Titles from Leonard E. Read:

• Author: “I, Pencil: My Family Tree” as told to Leonard E. Read, Dec. 1958
• Editor: Toward Liberty: Essays in Honor of Ludwig von Mises, vol. 1
• Editor: Toward Liberty: Essays in Honor of Ludwig von Mises, vol. 2