From his marginal position at the Chicago Law School, with Volker's encouragement, Simons soon became the center of gravity for the group of Chicago economists Hayek had begun to imagine as a dedicated cadre to pursue his political goals. This was more than a pipe dream because Simons enjoyed close personal relations with President Robert Hutchins, who would help in multiple ways to facilitate what Simons had come to call “the Hayek Project.” … In the intellectual sphere, Simons and Hutchins shared a certain fondness for Adam Smith, perhaps regarding one another as embattled classical liberals.

Philip Mirowski & Dieter Plehwe (eds.), The Road from Mont Pèlerin, loc. 723