John Kenneth Galbraith was a renowned Canadian-American economist and prolific author, celebrated for his contributions to economic thought and public policy. Born in 1908, Galbraith became a leading figure in 20th-century economic theory, critiquing conventional economics with wit and eloquence. Educated at the University of Toronto and the University of California, Berkeley, he taught at Harvard University for much of his career. Galbraith served as U.S. ambassador to India under President John F. Kennedy. Known for his popular books like "The Affluent Society" and "The New Industrial State," Galbraith advocated for government intervention and social equity, influencing policymakers worldwide.