A Gift of Freedom: How the John M. Olin Foundation Changed America

John M. Olin, a prominent industrialist, dedicated his fortune to saving American free enterprise in the 1970s. The John M. Olin Foundation funded the conservative movement, fostering the "counterintelligentsia" to counter liberal dominance. It supported influential figures like Charles Murray, Allan Bloom, and Francis Fukuyama. The foundation also played a significant role in building institutions like the Federalist Society and the Heritage Foundation. John J. Miller's book "A Gift of Freedom" explores Olins philanthropic vision and his impact on American politics and culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2022
Publisher: Encounter Books,USA

In the 1970s, John M. Olin, a prominent industrialist, made a remarkable decision to dedicate his fortune to preserving American free enterprise. Over the ensuing three decades, the John M. Olin Foundation played a pivotal role in funding the conservative movement as it emerged from the intellectual ghetto and gained significant influence in the halls of power. The foundation allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to support what its longtime president, William E. Simon, referred to as the "counterintelligentsia." This initiative aimed to counterbalance the liberal dominance in university faculties and the mainstream media, elevating conservatism to a prominent cultural force. Among the counterintellectuals that the foundation identified and nurtured during crucial stages of their careers were Charles Murray during his early work on welfare reform, Allan Bloom, author of "The Closing of the American Mind," and Francis Fukuyama, as he developed his influential "End of History" thesis.

In his book, "A Gift of Freedom," John J. Miller delves into the captivating story of John M. Olin and his distinctive philanthropic vision. Through exclusive access to the key personalities of the John M. Olin Foundation and its extensive archives, Miller provides insightful details about the foundation's role in assisting the CIA in funding anti-Communist organizations during the Cold War. He also sheds light on the foundation's extensive support for individuals such as Irving Kristol, who transitioned from the left to the right and played a pivotal role in founding the neoconservative movement. Miller highlights the foundation's early and critical involvement in establishing institutions like the Federalist Society and the Heritage Foundation, which played a crucial role in transforming conservative ideas into national policies.

"A Gift of Freedom" showcases how John M. Olin's "venture capital fund for the conservative movement" played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most influential forces in American politics and culture. By funding and nurturing counterintellectuals, the foundation helped to advance conservative ideals and shape the political landscape of the United States. John M. Olin's legacy continues to inspire and influence individuals and organizations committed to preserving the values of free enterprise and individual liberty.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781641772969