Professor
Antal E. Fekete
Antal E. Fekete (1932-2020) was a Hungarian-born mathematician, economist, and professor who profoundly influenced monetary science. He taught in Memorial University in Canada for 35 years and as a visiting professor at prestigious institutions like Columbia University, Trinity College Dublin, Acadia University, and Francisco Marroquin University. A devoted follower of the Austrian School of economics and influenced by Carl Menger and Ludwig von Mises, Fekete challenged Keynesian views, focusing on gold as a store of value and the foundations of credit and interest.
e-BOOKSA Legacy in Mathematics and Monetary Economics
Antal Fekete Fekete, born on December 8, 1932, in Budapest, Hungary, was a renowned mathematician and monetary economist whose contributions left a lasting impact in both fields. After completing his education at Loránd Eötvös University in Budapest, where he earned a degree in mathematics in 1955, Fekete emigrated to Canada in 1957. He continued his studies, following the political unrest of the Hungarian Revolution.
In 1958, Fekete began his academic career at Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he dedicated 35 years to his research. His tenure culminated in 1993 with his retirement as a full professor. During his illustrious career, he also served as a visiting professor at prestigious institutions such as Columbia University, Trinity College Dublin, Acadia University, and Francisco Marroquin University. Notably, his 1970 lecture at Princeton in advanced topology earned him widespread recognition, solidifying his academic standing.
A vocal advocate for the gold standard and Adam Smith’s Real Bills Doctrine, Fekete often challenged prevailing economic doctrines. His essays “Whither Gold?” earned first prize in a competition organized by the Phoenix Institute in 1988 in conjunction with Congressman William F. Dannemeyer. His expertise also took him to Francisco Marroquin University in Guatemala, where he taught economics as a visiting professor in 1998.
Even after retiring from his academic roles, Fekete remained active as a writer, lecturer, and consultant. He collaborated with notable institutions like the Foundation for Economic Education and Sapientia University in Romania. His work also extended into practical applications of his economic theories, such as advising Mexican entrepreneur Hugo Salinas Price on initiatives to introduce a silver-based monetary system.
Antal E. Fekete passed away on October 14, 2020, in Budapest, Hungary. His extensive writings and lectures continue to inspire discussions on monetary reform, the role of gold in global finance, and the value of sound economic principles.