Autobiography: The Life and Work of Celso Furtado

Introduction

Celso Furtado was a Brazilian economist, politician, and intellectual who made significant contributions to the field of development economics. His work has had a profound impact on the way we think about economic development, and his ideas continue to be influential today.

In his autobiography, Furtado tells the story of his life and work, from his early years in Brazil to his time as a professor at the University of Paris and his later work as a government minister. He also discusses his intellectual influences and the development of his economic theories.

Early Life and Education

Celso Furtado was born in 1920 in the city of Pombal, Brazil. His father was a doctor and his mother was a teacher. Furtado showed a talent for mathematics and economics at an early age, and he went on to study economics at the University of São Paulo.

After graduating from university, Furtado worked for the Brazilian government as an economist. He also began to write about economic development, and his first book, "The Economic Development of Brazil," was published in 1954.

Work as an Economist

Furtado's work as an economist focused on the problems of economic development in Latin America. He argued that the region's poverty and underdevelopment were the result of a number of factors, including colonialism, imperialism, and the unequal distribution of wealth.

Furtado also developed a theory of economic development that emphasized the importance of structural change. He argued that in order for Latin America to develop, it needed to make changes to its economic structure, such as increasing industrialization and improving the distribution of land.

Political Career

In addition to his work as an economist, Furtado also had a successful political career. He served as Minister of Planning for Brazil from 1962 to 1964, and he also held a number of other government positions.

Furtado's political career was cut short by the military coup of 1964. He was arrested and imprisoned, and he was eventually forced to leave Brazil.

Later Work

After leaving Brazil, Furtado continued to work as an economist and intellectual. He taught at the University of Paris and other universities, and he also wrote a number of books and articles.

Furtado's later work focused on a variety of topics, including the global economy, the environment, and the future of development. He continued to be a vocal critic of inequality and injustice, and he argued for a more just and sustainable world.

Conclusion

Celso Furtado was a brilliant economist and intellectual who made significant contributions to the field of development economics. His work has had a profound impact on the way we think about economic development, and his ideas continue to be influential today.

Furtado's autobiography is a fascinating account of his life and work. It is a must-read for anyone interested in economic development, Latin America, or the history of ideas.

Why You Should Buy This Book

If you are interested in economic development, Latin America, or the history of ideas, then you should buy this book. Celso Furtado was a brilliant economist and intellectual who made significant contributions to these fields. His autobiography is a fascinating account of his life and work, and it is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the world we live in.

Here are a few reasons why you should buy this book:

• It is a well-written and engaging account of Furtado's life and work.
• It provides a deep understanding of the problems of economic development in Latin America.
• It offers a unique perspective on the history of economic thought.
• It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in economic development, Latin America, or the history of ideas.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the most important economists of the twentieth century. Buy your copy of Celso Furtado's autobiography today!