ReImagining Liberty

Remembering David Boaz: A Conversation with His Closest Colleagues

Aaron Ross Powell

On June 7th, David Boaz died. He was the Executive Vice President of the Cato Institute, author of *The Libertarian Mind*, and the most important figure in the libertarian movement in the last half century. He was also my mentor, my close friend, and, for twelve years, my boss.


I had the privilege of holding, for the first two of those years, what is among the most exclusive, challenging, and rewarding jobs in Washington: Staff Writer at the Cato Institute, a role that primarily meant being David's right-hand man and primary conversation partner.


David's life and work are worth celebrating, and his legacy worth cherishing. He set the standard for how to live one's principles, lead a profoundly moral life, and change the world for the better while doing it.


I'm delighted to bring together a group of my fellow staff writers to talk about what David meant to the libertarian movement, what it was like to work for him, and how he enriched our lives.


  • Aaron Steelman is a Senior Fellow and Policy Adviser at the Cato Institute, and has the honor of being David's very first staff writer.
  • Julian Sanchez has worked as a journalist and policy analyst.
  • Maria Santos Bier is the Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations at the Cato Institute.
  • Andy Craig is Director of Election Policy at the Rainey Center.


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Produced by Landry Ayres. Podcast art by Sergio R. M. Duarte. Music by Kevin MacLeod.



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Produced by Landry Ayres. Podcast art by Sergio R. M. Duarte. Music by Kevin MacLeod.

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