David J. Theroux
| David J. Theroux | |
 | |
| Founder, CEO, and President The Independent Institute | |
| 1986—2022 | |
| Predecessor: | Inaugural |
| Successor: | As CEO: Mary Theroux / As President: Graham Walker |
| President Pacific Research Institute | |
| approx. 1979—? | |
| Predecessor: | Inaugural |
| Vice President and Director of Academic Affairs Cato Institute | |
| approx. 1977—? | |
| Predecessor: | Inaugural |
| Personal Details | |
| Birth: | May 25, 1949 |
| Death: | April 23, 2022 (age 72) |
| Education: | University of California, Berkeley (BS, AB, MS) / University of Chicago (MBA) |
| Occupation: | Think Tank Executive, Academic |
| Residence: | Northern California |
| Media | |
| Website: | The Independent Institute |
| Twitter: | |
| view image gallery | |
David J. Theroux was an American think tank executive and academic who made significant contributions to the development of libertarian thought. He held founding executive roles with both the Cato Institute and the Pacific Research Institute, and was the founder and leader of The Independent Institute.[1]
Theroux was a lifetime member of the Libertarian Party.[2] He passed away on April 23, 2022, due to an undiagnosed aortic aneurysm.[3]
Writing
Theroux was a prolific author, publishing numerous scholarly articles and commissioning over 140 books on public issues. He was dedicated to advancing the principles of liberty and frequently appeared in various media outlets, discussing libertarian ideas. Theroux also played a significant role in launching the quarterly journal, The Independent Review: A Journal of Political Economy, in collaboration with Robert Higgs.
Response to 9/11
In response to the 9/11 attacks, Theroux boldly defended the sanctity of every human life and championed the values of liberty and justice. He founded the C.S. Lewis Society of California to promote the ideas articulated by Lewis, which emphasized principled thinking in political economy and moral precepts.
YouTube
Theroux's entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of the YouTube video series "Love Gov" in collaboration with Emergent Order. This series aimed to satirize and critique the intrusiveness and cost of big government, targeting mainstream Millennials. The series gained significant popularity and received numerous awards.
Personal Life
Throughout his life, Theroux remained committed to his family and considered them his highest joy. He is survived by his wife, Mary Theroux, who worked alongside him, his two sons, Paul and Drake Theroux, and his grandchildren. Theroux's sudden passing on April 23, 2022, due to an undetected aortic aneurysm, was a great loss to the libertarian community.