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

The former economics concentrator brings his talent for crunching numbers to netminding.

An animal’s journey from grief to love shows how much humans need each other, too.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Explore More From Current Issue

Harvey Mansfield seated in a bright yellow chair, surrounded by bookshelves and cozy decor.

The retired government professor has been a rare conservative voice on campus for decades.

A woman with long hair stands confidently with crossed arms next to a pickup truck.

In her memoir All That's Unseen, Emilee Hackney explores religion, friendship, and home.

Singer performing on stage with a guitar, wearing a hat, and surrounded by band instruments.

Singer Elisa Smith’s whiskey-soaked voice and subversive feminism is part of the genre’s urban shift.