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Harry Gordon JohnsonCanadian economist
Date of Birth: 26.05.1923
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
- Biography of Harry Gordon Johnson
- Early Career
- Contributions and Travels
- Challenges and Legacy
- Awards and Recognition
- Later Years and Death
Biography of Harry Gordon Johnson
Early Life and EducationHarry Gordon Johnson was born on May 26, 1923, in Toronto, Canada. He was the eldest son of Henry Herbert Johnson, a journalist who later became the secretary of the Ontario Liberal Party, and Frances Lily Muat, a teacher of child psychology at the University of Toronto's Institute of Child Study. After graduating from high school, Johnson received a scholarship to the University of Toronto, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree before pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics at Harvard. During his time at university, he developed a keen interest in the history of economic thought, influenced by the lectures of Harold Innis, which greatly shaped his intellectual legacy.
Early Career
After completing his education in 1943, Johnson, then 20 years old, became a professor at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. In 1944, he voluntarily enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces and was sent to England in 1945. He eventually settled into administrative work at Canada House. Following his demobilization in the United Kingdom, Johnson went to Cambridge, becoming a student at Jesus College, where he passed the examination for a First Class Honours degree in Economics with the support of his supervisor, Maurice Dobb. He also became a member of the political and economic clubs during his time at Cambridge.
Contributions and Travels
Johnson was deeply influenced by the ideas of Joseph Schumpeter and his broad range of intellectual concepts. In 1948, he married Elizabeth Scott, the daughter of engineer-builder Harold Victor Serson. Later, Scott became one of the editors of John Maynard Keynes' collected works. Throughout his career, Johnson attended numerous conferences on economic issues and visited countless universities, primarily in Canada and Asia. He embarked on extensive worldwide travels, teaching advanced courses for economists in Karachi and Singapore. Known for his physical presence, Johnson had a large build and penetrating dark brown eyes. Despite his weight, he exuded energy and vitality, often opting for vibrant attire and dressing informally. In addition to his academic pursuits, Johnson was a skilled woodcarver, creating thousands of wooden figurines in various artistic styles.
Challenges and Legacy
However, Johnson faced personal struggles, particularly with excessive alcohol consumption. It was widely known that he would bring a bottle of 'Southern Comfort' whiskey on his weekly flights between London and Chicago. He often delivered lectures and seminars while intoxicated. Although Johnson was a prolific writer, he faced criticism for revisiting old topics in his new articles, which led to accusations of stagnation. Despite this, he left a lasting impact on the field of economics, particularly in the development of the Heckscher-Ohlin theory and the monetary approach to the balance of payments. Johnson's contributions to the theory of international trade made him the second most cited economist in the field, following Paul Samuelson. He authored 526 professional articles, 41 books and pamphlets, and 150 reviews.
Awards and Recognition
Johnson received numerous accolades throughout his career. In 1977, he was elected a fellow of the American Economic Association, and in 1976, the Canadian government appointed him as an Officer of the Order of Canada. Each year, the Canadian Economics Association presents the Harry Johnson Prize for the best article published in the Canadian Journal of Economics.
Later Years and Death
In his final years, Johnson's fame diminished, evident in the declining number of references to his work. Nevertheless, his impact on the field of economics remained significant. He passed away from a stroke in Geneva on May 9, 1977, leaving behind his spouse and a legacy of groundbreaking economic research.
