Veblen was born in Port Ulao, Wisconsin on September 24, 1848.  He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Carleton College and also attended Johns Hopkins University for two years.  He taught at Luther College from 1877 to 1881.  He brought many American influences to the college.  His unorthodox ideas were a contributor to his short stay as a member of the Luther faculty.  He was the brother of sociologist Thornstein Veblen.

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Veblen ble født i Port Ulao, Wisconsin, 24. september 1848. Han tok både bachelor –og mastergraden ved Carleton College og studerte også i to år ved Johns Hopkins University. Han underviste på Luther fra 1877 til 1881 og bidro til å gi skolen et mer amerikansk preg. Da ideene hans ikke var rettroende nok, ble han ikke lenge på Luther. Veblen var bror til sosiolog Thorstein Veblen.