Robert Fogel Quotes

Economist
USA
1926

Robert Fogel

Robert Fogel was an American economic historian and Nobel Prize winner known for his groundbreaking research on the impact of railroads on the American economy. He was born in 1926 in New York City and received his education from Cornell University and Johns Hopkins University. Fogel’s most notable work is his book “Railroads and American Economic Growth: Essays in Econometric History” which challenged the traditional view that railroads were the main cause of economic growth in the United States. He argued that the impact of railroads was overstated and that other factors such as technological advancements and human capital played a larger role. This work earned him the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1993. Fogel also made significant contributions to the study of slavery and the role it played in the American economy. He passed away in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking research and a lasting impact on the field of economic history.Read Less

The older I get, the more important my view of the family is.

Author, December 22, 2023, Robert Fogel, Age, Family, Importance, 0

Robert Fogel

Economist

· USA

Robert Fogel Career Highlights

Fogel received his Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 1948 and his PhD from Johns Hopkins University in 1963.
He began his academic career as an assistant professor at the University of Rochester in 1960 and later taught at the University of Chicago, where he spent most of his career.
In 1964, Fogel published his first major work, “Railroads and American Economic Growth: Essays in Econometric History,” which challenged the traditional view that railroads were the main cause of economic growth in the United States.
In 1974, he co-authored the controversial book “Time on the Cross: The Economics of American Negro Slavery,” which argued that slavery was a profitable and efficient economic system.
Fogel’s research on the economic impact of railroads and slavery earned him the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1993, along with his colleague Douglass North.
He was also a prolific writer, publishing over 20 books and numerous articles throughout his career.

Key Contributions by Robert Fogel

Fogel’s research on railroads challenged the prevailing view that they were the main cause of economic growth in the United States. He argued that the impact of railroads was overstated and that other factors, such as technological advancements and government policies, played a more significant role.
His work on slavery was groundbreaking, as he used quantitative methods to analyze the economic efficiency of the system. He also challenged the traditional view that slavery was a dying institution and argued that it was profitable and could have continued for much longer if not for the Civil War.
Fogel’s research on railroads and slavery sparked debates and controversies in the academic community, leading to a re-evaluation of long-held beliefs and a shift in the understanding of these historical events.

What Sets Robert Fogel Apart

Fogel’s use of quantitative methods and data analysis in economic history was groundbreaking and helped to establish it as a legitimate field of study.
He was known for his interdisciplinary approach, combining economics, history, and other social sciences in his research.
Fogel’s work challenged traditional views and sparked debates, making him a controversial figure in the academic community. However, his research also had a significant impact on the field of economic history and influenced future studies.

Takeaways

Robert Fogel’s research on railroads and slavery revolutionized the field of economic history and challenged long-held beliefs.
His use of quantitative methods and interdisciplinary approach set him apart from other economists and historians of his time.
Fogel’s work serves as a reminder to question traditional views and to use data and evidence to support arguments and theories.

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