David E. Lilienthal One of the leading American experts on business theory; achieved great success both in public service and in private enterprise. Date of Birth: 08.07.1899 Country: USA

Biography of David E. Lilienthal

David Eli Lilienthal was one of the prominent American experts in business theory who achieved great success both in public service and private entrepreneurship. He was an American public figure, leader of the Atomic Energy Commission and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Along with Dean Acheson, the future Secretary of State of the United States, Lilienthal co-wrote "Report on the International Control of Atomic Energy," which thoroughly described possible methods of international control of nuclear weapons.

Lilienthal was born in Morton, Illinois, as the eldest son of Jewish immigrants from Austria-Hungary. His father was an active entrepreneur, which led to frequent relocations of the family. However, David spent most of his youth in two cities, Valparaiso and Michigan City. He received his education in Greencastle, Indiana, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership, public speaking, and boxing skills. It was in Greencastle that Lilienthal met his future wife, Helen Marian Lamb, and they married in 1923.

In the summer of 1920, Lilienthal worked as a reporter for a while before studying law at Harvard. His academic performance was mediocre until he met Professor Felix Frankfurter, who significantly improved his knowledge in the field of law. With the help of Frankfurter, Lilienthal became a practicing lawyer and worked in Chicago with Donald Richberg, a prominent labor law specialist. In 1926, Lilienthal left Richberg and focused on the legal aspects of various municipal services, participating in several high-profile cases.

In January 1946, Dean Acheson invited Lilienthal to a committee tasked with determining the US government's policy regarding nuclear weapons and related dangers. The committee's work resulted in the "Report on the International Control of Atomic Energy," which caused quite a stir at that time. Lilienthal served as the head of the Atomic Energy Commission from October 28, 1946, to February 15, 1950, overseeing the country's nuclear projects.

Lilienthal was renowned for his public activities, but he was also well-known for his literary achievements. He started writing almost by chance, following the advice of an acquaintance who suggested he keep a diary to vividly and colorfully describe his thoughts and ideas on various topics. Later, Lilienthal published his diaries and went on to write independent books. In 1980, he faced serious health problems and underwent complex surgeries on his hip and eye. Unfortunately, his vision problems prevented him from reading and writing, and his leg issues forced him to use a cane.

David Lilienthal passed away in his sleep on January 15, 1981, at the age of 81.