The Greatest Economists in History

Adam Smith, Keynes, Friedman, Hayek — the economists whose theories shaped modern markets, money, and policy.

60 Geniuses

Economics turns human behavior into models. The economists on this list built the models that govern central banks, trade policy, and corporate strategy today.

Adam Smith founded the discipline. Keynes saved capitalism in the 1930s. Friedman and Hayek made the free-market case that defined the late 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is considered the greatest economist of all time?

Adam Smith is most often named the founder of modern economics. John Maynard Keynes and Milton Friedman are the two most influential 20th-century economists.

What economist had the highest IQ?

John Maynard Keynes' IQ is estimated at 184. He was also a prolific investor, growing his fund 16x.

How many Nobel Prizes have been awarded in Economics?

90+ since the prize was established in 1969. Several economists on this list are laureates.

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