Running head: JOHN MAYNARD KEYNES 1

The Most Influential Economist of the 20th Century

Lucas Strader

Post University

JOHN MAYNARD KEYNES 2

The Most Influential Economist of the 20th Century
In the history of economics, John Maynard Keynes is of the most influential people. He strongly influenced the economy and became widely recognized while he was still alive. The man who 75 years ago wrote an essay “The Economic Possibilities for our Grand Children” brought very important issues to our attention. Keynes wondered what kind of world our children would live in, and what sort of tools would they need to succeed and be happy. So what do we know about this extraordinary man, and how did his economic views change our lives?
In order to know why Keynes was a successful economist, it is important to know where he came from. John Maynard Keynes was born June 5, 1883 in Cambridge England. His father was an economist and a lecturer at the University of Cambridge, and his mother was a local social reformer. With the assistance and coaching of his parents, Keynes was successful throughout his time in school. Many people were not surprised that Keynes became an economist since his father was a professor of economics. He was good at managing his own finances. His investments with foreign money made him a wealthy man. This allowed him to sponsor the classic ballet along with his Russian wife, a classic ballet dancer.
In Grossak’s (1978) article he explains how Keynes did not plan on becoming an economist. He did not study economics until his senior year at college, and although his professors encouraged him to continue on with economics he chose a job in civil service. Keynes felt that when it came to economic theory, there was nothing more to be taught. (Grossak’s,