It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jonathan Larson, the founder of this blog. Jonathan's insatiable curiosity, dedication to public service, determination to improve the human condition, and deep intellect left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His passing leaves behind a legacy that stretches across disciplines, communities, and continents.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 17, 1949, in Little Falls, Minnesota, Jonathan was the eldest son of a Lutheran minister, an upbringing that instilled in him a strong sense of duty, intellectual rigor, and a love for music. His childhood, shaped by his father’s ecumenical collaborations with Mennonite communities, was steeped in values of pacifism, service, and community. These experiences would profoundly influence his worldview.
He valued being mentored in building and flying model aircraft, a pursuit which imbued him with a deep sense of the joy and satisfaction of mastering rigorous disciplines like aerodynamics, and an understanding of the penalty nature can exact when natural laws are ignored and broken.
Jonathan excelled academically, culminating in his graduation from the University of Minnesota in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies. His major in City Planning and minors in Sociology, Political Science, and Statistics reflected his passion for understanding and improving the fabric of society.
A Renaissance Man of the Modern Age
Jonathan’s life was a mosaic of diverse interests and accomplishments. His career and personal pursuits spanned many fields, including city planning, energy policy, historical preservation, labor history, ergonomics, industrial design, and environmental consulting. Each endeavor was marked by his meticulous attention to detail, deep intellectual engagement, and desire to contribute meaningfully.
He authored Elegant Technology: Economic Prosperity from an Environmental Blueprint, a book that showcased his commitment to sustainable development and his vision for a greener future. Published in Scandinavia, the book demonstrated his global perspective and ability to inspire change across borders.
He also authored a paper on heterodox economist and scholar Thorstein Veblen, and assisted members of the Veblen family in the restoration of the Veblen homestead. Jonathan began this blog, Real Economics, to do as Veblen had -- challenge and seek to supplant the failing orthodoxy of mainstream neoliberal and conservative economics.
Advocate for Social and Environmental Justice
Jonathan was a tireless advocate for justice and equity. His work with community organizations, his historical preservation efforts in St. Paul and at the Valley Grove church near the Veblen home, and his deep concern for labor rights underscored his lifelong commitment to improving lives. He was deeply engaged in sustainable agricultural movements, drawing on his rural Minnesota roots to champion the dignity and resilience of farmers.
His expertise in environmental policy and industrial design led to pioneering contributions in energy-efficient building techniques, restoration projects, and ergonomic solutions. His patent for a production tool that merged Scandinavian ergonomic design with Japanese lean production practices exemplified his innovative spirit.
A Mind Open to the World
Jonathan’s insatiable thirst for knowledge knew no bounds. From aviation history to monetary theory, from choral music to political activism, he immersed himself in every subject with the vigor of a true polymath. His lifelong study of the Protestant Reformation, Mennonite pacifism, and the history of industrialization revealed a man deeply interested in the intersections of faith, humanity, and progress.
An avid reader and thinker, Jonathan often referred to himself as an "information sponge." His love for learning extended to his early years when he devoured his set of World Book Encyclopedias by age nine. This intellectual curiosity was not just for personal satisfaction but also a means of serving others.
A Life Enriched by Music
Music was the thread that wove through Jonathan's life. A proud son of the Lutheran tradition, he sang in choirs from childhood through adulthood, performing major works like Handel's Messiah and Verdi's Requiem. His love for choral music was a tribute to his Swedish and Mennonite heritage, and he often spoke of the solace and joy it brought him.
Reflections on Modern Challenges
In keeping with his parent's Lutheran faith, Jonathan was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, and served as a hospital orderly, where he witnessed the introduction of new life-saving medical technologies.
In recent years, Jonathan offered sharp critiques of societal and institutional shortcomings. His reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a thinker unafraid to question conventional wisdom and advocate for rigorous scientific inquiry. These musings, while critical, were imbued with his characteristic hope for a more informed and compassionate world.
A Personal Tribute
Jonathan’s life was also deeply personal. He endured loss, including the death of his sister Ann, which he honored through a heartfelt tribute. He found joy in family traditions, Christmas music, and the small-town values that shaped him. His friends and loved ones remember him as a man of humor, humility, and profound thoughtfulness.
Legacy
Jonathan Larson leaves behind a legacy of intellectual brilliance, moral courage, and unyielding dedication to the betterment of society. His life serves as a reminder that curiosity, compassion, and hard work can create a better world. Those who knew him who will forever cherish his memory.
-- by Jeff Fabré and Tony Wikrent
My condolences to you guys and to Jonathan's family. He was a sharp fellow and he will be missed.
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