Joseph Stiglitz is a renowned American economist, professor, and author known for his groundbreaking work in the field of economics. Born in 1943, Stiglitz has had a distinguished career, serving as the chief economist at the World Bank and as a professor at esteemed institutions like Stanford and Columbia University. He is a recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his contributions to the understanding of asymmetric information. Stiglitz is also a prolific author, having written numerous influential books on economics and globalization. He continues to be a leading voice in shaping economic policy and promoting social justice around the world.