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Arthur Brooks
Harvard professor, Atlantic columnist, social scientist specialized in happiness, speaker, former classical French horn player
Arthur C. Brooks is a prominent American academic, author, and public speaker, currently serving as the Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Public and Nonprofit Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and as a Professor of Management Practice at Harvard Business School since 2019. He is also recognized as a Faculty Fellow at Harvard Business School.17
Early Life and Education
Born on May 21, 1964, in Spokane, Washington, Brooks grew up in Seattle. He initially pursued a career as a classical French hornist, performing with various orchestras, including the City Orchestra of Barcelona. In his late twenties, he returned to academia, earning a BA in economics from Thomas Edison State College, followed by an MA in economics from Florida Atlantic University. He later obtained an MPhil and PhD in public policy analysis from the Pardee RAND Graduate School while working as an analyst for the RAND Corporation.2467
Academic Career
Before joining Harvard, Brooks was the 11th President of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) from 2009 to 2019, where he significantly expanded the institute's research portfolio and outreach initiatives. His academic career began at Georgia State University and continued at Syracuse University, where he became a full professor and published over 60 peer-reviewed articles and several books.1356
Publications and Media
Brooks is a prolific author with 13 books to his name, including bestsellers like From Strength to Strength (2022) and Build the Life You Want (2023), co-authored with Oprah Winfrey. He writes a popular column for The Atlantic, titled "How to Build a Life," focusing on happiness and well-being.1457 Additionally, he hosts a podcast where he discusses themes related to happiness and personal fulfillment.
Honors and Recognition
Throughout his career, Brooks has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Fortune Magazine’s “50 World’s Greatest Leaders” and receiving multiple honorary doctorates. His work has had a significant impact on discussions surrounding public policy, happiness, and human potential.246
Personal Life
Brooks resides in Needham, Massachusetts, with his wife Ester Munt-Brooks. They have three children: Joaquim, Carlos, and Marina.34
Highlights
No matter who wins today—your side or the other side—remember that the “other side” are our family, friends, and fellow Americans.
