John Ulric Nef (economic historian)

John Ulric Nef (June 14, 1899 – January 14, 1988) was an American economic historian known for his work on the history of technological change, industrial organization, and the rise of modern civilization. He is particularly recognized for his scholarship exploring the relationship between technological innovation, cultural values, and the development of capitalism, especially in early modern Europe.

Nef was born in Geneva, Switzerland, and later emigrated to the United States. He received his B.A. from Harvard University in 1920 and his Ph.D. from the Robert Brookings Graduate School of Economics and Government (later the Brookings Institution) in 1922.

Nef spent the majority of his academic career at the University of Chicago, where he joined the faculty in 1929 and remained until his retirement in 1969. He played a significant role in shaping the university's Committee on Social Thought. He was a staunch advocate for interdisciplinary scholarship and believed in the importance of integrating the humanities and social sciences.

His major works include:

• The Rise of the British Coal Industry (1932) - A groundbreaking study of the technological and economic developments in the British coal industry and its impact on society.
• Industry and Government in France and England, 1540-1640 (1940) - An examination of state intervention in the economies of France and England during a crucial period of economic development.
• War and Human Progress (1950) - A controversial work challenging the notion that war leads to progress. He argued that war is destructive to both material and spiritual values.
• Cultural Foundations of Industrial Civilization (1958) - An exploration of the cultural and philosophical foundations of industrial society.
• Search for Meaning: Memoirs of a Public Servant (1973) - Nef's autobiography, offering insights into his intellectual development and his views on society and culture.

Nef's scholarship was characterized by a broad historical perspective, a deep engagement with philosophical and cultural issues, and a concern for the ethical implications of technological and economic change. He challenged conventional wisdom and offered a critical perspective on the development of modern capitalism. His work continues to be relevant for understanding the complex interplay of technology, culture, and economic development in the modern world.