Milton Friedman dies at 94; world loses a visionary

Dr. Milton Friedman, Nobel Laureate economist, died yesterday at 94. It's a sad day.

Here's the statement from Gordon St. Angelo, president and CEO of the Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation:

America has lost a true visionary and advocate for human freedom. And I have lost a great friend.

Milton’s passion for freedom and liberty has influenced more lives than he ever could possibly know. His writings and ideas have transformed the minds of U.S. Presidents, world leaders, entrepreneurs and freshmen economic majors alike. The loss of his passion, incisive mind and dedication to freedom are all national treasures that we mourn for today.

Milton never chose to slow down; even at 94 he kept fighting to bring educational equality to all of America’s children. And it’s this vision, this drive for educational liberty that the Friedman Foundation will continue to bring to families throughout America.

His impact on my life over the last 33 years was significant. His impact on the world was momentous. Without a doubt, few people have done more to advance civil and economic liberties throughout the world during their lifetime than Dr. Milton Friedman.

Via Edspresso.com, a publication of the Alliance for School Choice, which offers its own statement here. The New York Times also looks back at Friedman's work and theories here.

One doesn't have to agree with all of Friedman's ideas to appreciate that he was an intellectual giant and an inspiration to those who want to make the world a better place.