French economist Thomas Piketty, the best-selling author of Capital in the 21st Century, has turned down France's top award, the Légion d'honneur, reports the BBC.
"I do not think it is the government's role to decide who is honourable", Mr Piketty said.
His book examines income inequality in society and became a surprise hit, topping the bestseller list in the US.
It is very rare for anyone to turn down the award, says the BBC's Hugh Schofield in Paris.
But Mr Piketty, who was once close to the Socialist Party but has criticised the government of François Hollande, said he was unable to accept the award.
"I have just learned that I was nominated for the Légion d'honneur. I refuse this nomination because I do not think it is the government's role to decide who is honourable," he told the news agency AFP.