Earlier this month, we received the most sad and unexpected news that our dear friend, Phil Harvey, passed away. All the Cato community—and, indeed, the broader libertarian community—is in mourning over the loss of such a remarkable man.

Few friends of Cato were as involved in the Institute or as generously supportive of our efforts. And few friends of liberty were as serious in their commitment to the principles and values we share. For Phil did more than support Cato’s mission—he lived it.

Yes, Phil Harvey was a visionary entrepreneur who achieved much success in business. And, yes, he was generous in sharing the fruits of that success with the causes to which he was committed—liberty, free speech, anti-censorship, and efforts in dozens of developing countries to alleviate poverty and improve access to family planning products and services. And he was, of course, so humble about it. As Phil recently told a fellow beneficiary of his generosity, for the profits of his business “to become useful, they’ve got to reach people like you. Giving away money is easy, of course, and I’m inclined to agree with those who assert that it is pleasurable. You (and the others) do all the work.”

If the story ended there, Phil’s life would be one that was exceptionally well lived. But it had many more chapters. I’ve read the books he’s written on policy topics that are right in Cato’s wheelhouse: like critiques of the devastating human toll of well-intentioned public assistance programs, or unconscionable corporate welfare that benefits the well off and the well connected. And I’ve watched the documentaries that these books have inspired. But I admit I’ve yet to read Phil’s novels or his poetry: for until a few months ago, I had no idea he’d also been a prolific author of fiction.

In addition to being a business entrepreneur, Phil was a social entrepreneur who built from scratch large, self-sustaining non-profit organizations that have touched millions of lives in dozens of poorer countries. For Phil believed strongly that giving people in developing countries the means to better plan their families, helped empower them to better plan their escape from poverty.

We are so fortunate to live in a country where many have answered liberty’s call, creating a tradition of freedom that we are privileged to enjoy, carry on, and defend. But one always has to ask oneself: if called upon to defend liberty, would I answer that call? Even if it entailed significant personal risk? Phil Harvey could say “yes,” because when liberty called—he answered. For when the virtually unlimited resources of the federal government were mobilized to destroy the business that had been Phil’s life work, Phil fought back—and won. At great expense and personal risk, Phil stood on principle and won victories for civil liberties and free speech from which we all continue to benefit today.

Phil and his wife, Harriet Lesser, have been an integral part of the fabric of Cato. With Phil’s encouragement, we were inspired by Harriet’s vision of how a freedom-themed art exhibition could draw new and different audiences to Cato. Over many lunches at the Institute, I’ve benefited from Phil’s encouragement, suggestions, praise, and criticism. I’ll miss those lunches. I’ll miss his counsel. But most of all, I’ll miss him. Everyone at Cato will.

One of the last times I had dinner with Phil, I asked if—in light of all the accomplishments and contributions highlighted above—we could suitably honor him at October’s Cato Club Retreat. Phil reluctantly agreed, while asserting he didn’t see a particular reason he deserved such recognition. In preparation, Cato’s team created this video tribute of Phil Harvey. With Covid still circulating, Phil elected to participate in the Retreat online from home. So we decided to save the video tribute for our next gathering. We’re heartbroken that Phil will not be at that Retreat, and heartbroken that he never had a chance to view this tribute. But we are so thankful to be able to share it, so that many more people will know the extraordinary story of Phil Harvey.

Our warmest and most sincere condolences are with Harriet, Phil’s extended family, and his many friends.