George Goodman facts for kids

George Jerome Waldo Goodman (born August 10, 1930 – died January 3, 2014) was an American writer and expert on economics. He was best known by his pen name, Adam Smith. He used this name to keep his articles about Wall Street (the financial world) private. He also wrote stories under his real name, George Goodman.

Early Life and Education

George Goodman was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He went to Harvard University, a famous college, and graduated with high honors. While there, he worked as an editor for the student newspaper, The Harvard Crimson.

Goodman then won a special scholarship called a Rhodes Scholarship. This allowed him to study at Brasenose College, Oxford in England. During this time, he wrote his first novel, The Bubble Makers.

Military Service and Family Life

In 1954, George Goodman joined the US Army Special Forces. He worked in a group that focused on psychological warfare. This means they used ideas and information to influence people's thoughts and actions.

In 1961, Goodman married Sally Brophy, an American actress. They had two children together. Sally passed away in 2007.

Making Economics Easy to Understand

George Goodman had a special way of talking about money and business. People said he was like a smart, funny dinner guest. He made complicated financial topics easy to understand for everyone, not just experts.

His first non-fiction book, The Money Game (published in 1968), was a huge success. It was a number one bestseller for more than a year. This book helped many people learn about the world of finance.

In another book, Paper Money (1981), he used a famous phrase: "Assume a can opener". He used this to show how economists sometimes make silly assumptions. He also asked, "Why are the economists almost always wrong?"

Goodman also spent some time in Hollywood. He wrote screenplays for movies, including The Wheeler Dealers. This movie was based on one of his own novels.

Work in Magazines

George Goodman was a busy writer and editor. He worked for many well-known magazines. He was on the editorial board of The New York Times. He was also an editor at Esquire Magazine and a writer for Fortune magazine.

He was also one of the first people to work at New York magazine. There, he worked with other famous writers like Tom Wolfe and Gloria Steinem.

Adam Smith's Money World

In 1984, George Goodman started working in television. He created, hosted, and was the main editor for a show called Adam Smith's Money World. This show was on Public Broadcasting Service in the U.S.

The show became very popular and won many awards. It received eight Emmy nominations and won five Emmy Awards. It also won the Overseas Press Club Award.

Explaining Complex Topics

Adam Smith's Money World used fun ways to explain difficult financial topics. It used cartoon characters and reports from different places. This helped make complex subjects simple for viewers.

The show was broadcast in over forty countries. It was even the first American business news show to be shown in the Soviet Union. It aired weekly with a Russian soundtrack, helping people there learn about business.

In 1998, Goodman was chosen as a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. This is a special honor for people who have done great work in public service.

Later Work and Interviews

Starting in 1998, George Goodman traveled around the world every year. He made special reports about countries with fast-growing economies. These included places like China, Russia, India, and Israel.

Goodman also interviewed many important leaders. He spoke with famous business people like Warren Buffett. He also interviewed political leaders, such as Mikhail Gorbachev.

In 2008, Goodman appeared in TV commercials for the Hyundai Motor Company. He gave advice on personal finance, helping people manage their money.

Death

George Goodman passed away on January 3, 2014, at the age of 83. He died at the University of Miami Hospital. He had been battling a bone marrow illness called myelofibrosis for a long time. His son, Mark, shared the news of his father's passing.

See also

• Economics
• Political economy
• List of economists