The Northwood Idea - Northwood University

The Northwood Idea is a timeless set of values that adapts to changing environments while remaining steadfast as a guiding philosophy. It directs those who understand the meaning of freedom and liberty for all.

NORTHWOOD’s FOUNDATIONS

Our Foundational Philosophy

As America’s Free Enterprise University, we believe these are the foundations that drive global economic and social progress.

Individual Freedom and Responsibility

Freedom is the foundation of prosperity. Societies thrive to the extent that people are free to make their own choices.

Moral Law

The government should be limited in scope, providing the rule of law by broad consent but not dictating its citizens’ personal and economic decisions.

Earned Success

Individual freedom and personal responsibility create an environment where the greatest good, economic, and otherwise, comes to the greatest number of people.

The Importance of Free Enterprise

The free enterprise system incentivizes investment, innovation, efficiency, and determination. We are unified by an unwavering belief in the advantages of an entrepreneurial, free enterprise society, personal freedom, and individual responsibility, functioning from a foundation of ethics and integrity and promoting and leveraging the global and multi-cultural nature of enterprise.

Built on Simple, Powerful Ideas.

We believe in the transformative power of simple, yet powerful ideas. Our foundation rests on the philosophy that challenges are not obstacles but opportunities for growth. Individuals who find resonance in this belief are destined to be the ideal match for Northwood, and in turn, they will discover that Northwood is not just a choice but the perfect alignment for their aspirations and ambitions.

Unveiling The Northwood Idea

A Journey with Arthur C. Brooks

Northwood fosters an environment where challenges are met with creativity, ideas flourish, and individuals thrive. It’s more than just a fit; it’s a symbiotic relationship where both the individual and Northwood elevate each other to new heights of success.

Promoting The Northwood Idea

The Northwood Idea is reflected in many ways at Northwood University. Elements of The Northwood Idea are woven into courses in context. Many events and activities also reinforce the core concepts of The Northwood Idea. The following are some examples:

Freedom Seminar

Every year, Northwood University hosts a multi-day Freedom Seminar, which is a symposium on free-enterprise system led by distinguished academic and business leaders.

McNair Center

The McNair Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Northwood University is a think tank focused on the advocacy and expansion of free market economics.

Free Online Course on The Northwood Idea

Check out the first lesson of our complimentary online course, “Philosophy of Free Enterprise.”

True North

Driven by Northwood University and powered by the guiding values of The Northwood Idea, True North is a website platform that serves as a global connector supporting the exchange of free-market ideas, philosophies and practices.

Visit True North

The Value of The Idea

Northwood stands for the belief that competitive effort, individual impact, and freedom are essential. We also advocate for equal opportunity, embracing diversity, and a healthy skepticism of powerful government structures.

When Free to Choose

Together, we build a legacy of excellence, where challenges become stepping stones and where every idea holds the potential to shape a brighter future.

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