![Cato 40th Banner](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/pubs_2x/public/2022-03/thumbnail_Cato40_Wall_Logo.jpg?itok=vQSx6bHN) 

Forty years ago, the Cato Institute opened its doors as a new public policy research organization dedicated to liberty. Today, through our independent, nonpartisan research, worldwide events, vast online resources, and media outreach, Cato engages millions on the timeless principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace.

[![](https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/styles/aside/public/2022-03/cato40thtimeline.jpg?itok=e5jQpRNM)](http://www.cato.org/cato40/timeline)[See a timeline](http://www.cato.org/cato40/timeline) of our milestones over 40 years.

[![](https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/styles/aside/public/2022-03/cato40liberty.jpg?itok=WOpkmS8x)](https://www.cato.org/catos-letter-selected-classics)[Read enduring essays](https://www.cato.org/catos-letter-selected-classics) Cato has published in its Cato’s Letter series and in its book Toward Liberty, by individuals who remain some of our most innovative and insightful thinkers.

[![](https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/styles/aside/public/2022-03/cato-40th-vid-thumbnail.jpg?itok=-qsv6QGZ)](https://www.cato.org/multimedia/multimedia/catos-founding-impact-40-years-later)[View a short film](https://www.cato.org/multimedia/multimedia/catos-founding-impact-40-years-later) on Cato’s founding, growth, and 40 years of impact.

[![](https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/styles/aside/public/2022-03/catointhemedia-150x150.jpg?itok=Nr_ARQ8f)](http://www.cato.org/cato40/highlights)[Enjoy highlights](http://www.cato.org/cato40/highlights) of Cato scholars in the news.

## The Future of Liberty

[![](https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/styles/aside/public/2022-03/cato40thletters.jpg?itok=R4Ohwaxw)](https://www.cato.org/cato40-future-of-the-free-society)[Read a special online forum](https://www.cato.org/cato40-future-of-the-free-society) on the future of the free society.

[![](https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/styles/aside/public/2022-03/catotestimonials-150x150.jpg?itok=aWDECU4P)](https://www.cato.org/cato40/testimonials)[Watch testimonials](https://www.cato.org/cato40/testimonials) about the impact of Cato.

[![](https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/styles/aside/public/2022-03/cato40thdonate.jpg?itok=RXuBJkvy)](https://www.cato.org/support)[Learn how you can increase](https://www.cato.org/support) Cato’s impact through your support.

[![Cato 40 Wall image](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/pubs_2x/public/2022-03/Cato40_Wall_40.jpg?itok=BZ11IEdc)](https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/2022-03/Cato40_Wall_40.jpg) 

**Follow [\#Cato40](https://twitter.com/hashtag/cato40) on Twitter and Instagram for updates.**