Brazil's "Minister of Ideas"

In the Times story, Unger compares his Harvard experience to "paradise," but says, "There is a problem with life in the garden. It is not dangerous enough...

In the Times story, Unger compares his Harvard experience to "paradise," but says, "There is a problem with life in the garden. It is not dangerous enough...

The New York Times profiles Pound professor of law Roberto Mangabeira Unger, who is taking a leave of absence to serve as minister for strategic affairs in the government of Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Unger has taught at Harvard since he was 24 and earned tenure before he was 30. Now, he advises Lula on matters ranging from the economy—he advocates a form of neoliberalism that emphasizes the private sector and the role of markets, but also encourages intervening in markets—to preservation of the Amazon rainforest.

In the Times story, Unger compares his Harvard experience to "paradise," but says, "There is a problem with life in the garden. It is not dangerous enough. Nothing in it can happen that will really shake you up and make you live."

Most popular

Ken Burns on America’s Unfinished Revolution

At Radcliffe, the filmmaker joined Harvard historians to discuss what the nation’s founding means today.

Paul Ryan Warns Congress Is Losing Power—and Blames Both Parties

At Harvard Kennedy School, the former House speaker reflected on executive overreach, DEI, and “wokeism.”

Department of Education Investigates Harvard Admissions and Antisemitism Claims

The University calls federal actions “retaliatory.” 

Explore More From Current Issue

A diverse group of individuals standing on stage, wearing matching shirts and smiling.

How a Harvard and Lesley Group Broke Choir Singing Wide Open

Cambridge Common Voices draws on principles of universal design. 

Illustration of a person sitting on a large cresting wave, writing, with a sunset and ocean waves in vibrant colors.

How Stories Help Us Cope with Climate Change

The growing genre of climate fiction offers a way to process reality—and our anxieties.

Firefighters battling flames at a red building, surrounded by smoke and onlookers.

Yesterday’s News

How a book on fighting the “Devill World” survived Harvard’s historic fire.