On the occasion of the publication of a new edition of his book Intellectuals and Society, Thomas Sowell returns to Uncommon Knowledge for a wide-ranging interview.
Thomas Sowell was raised in Harlem in the 1930's. He was transformed from his adopted Marxist beliefs AFTER he worked in Government in DC. Thomas never bought a book as a kid as he lived near a library. He has written over 25 books and in this interview conducted in 2012 his brilliant remarks about political intellectuals reveals why we need people with EXPERIENCE in business to hold government positions. A few quotes from Sowell: "The road to hell is paved with Ivy League degrees" - Thomas Sowell "The people in the labor department saw my interest in testing theories as a threat. Don't look to government to serve the interest of people. Other people's well being will never be the priority of politics." Thomas Sowell and... "President Obama has an absolute talent for saying things that make no sense but not only sound plausible, but inspiring".
"Intellectuals have no interest in what creates wealth , they are very concern about distribution of it. they act as if wealth just exists somehow" so true!
You say he's a disciple of Christ? Not hardly. He loves to pick and choose he doesn't think all people are equal in the eyes of GOD their is no Jew or Catholic black or white just people God says...
Some of Thomas Sowell writings should be part of American public education curriculum. He is giant in intelectual circles. He is a legend in his own time IMO.
Once again, Thomas Sowell hits the nail on the head. There is nothing like hearing a truth teller tell the truth in spite of what is popular or popularly believed to be the truth.
It's good to see interviews and discussions on this level of intellect and knowledge. Just two educated men sitting down and digging deep, no moronic laughing audience or "interviewer" constantly trying to hog the attention and crack jokes.
The opening segment reminded me of one of my favourite Reagan quotes. Reagan had been a 'C' student at Eureka College, regarded by the elite as a 3rd-rate school & if memory serves, it was well into his 2nd term when he was giving the commencement address at his old alma mater, and with reference to how the cognoscenti derided him for his comparative lack of education, he quipped, "To this day I wonder what I might have achieved had I sought further education." I laughed so hard I nearly cried.
I love Peter as interviewer, he's a so laid back, ask the relevant questions and let's the guest answer fully, with appropriate interruptions were needed.
I find Thomas Sowell enlightening in many of the ideas he puts forth, and thank you for posting these. It's amazing when he discusses that intellectuals ideas are NOT tested, and accepted or rejected on the basis of if they pass the reality test. They are accepted and never tested because they are put forth by intellectuals. Therefore in any particular discipline if you want to be taken seriously you must believe these ideas regardless of there true merit or be ostracized as unintellectual.
Wow, what a wonderful interview, with a brilliant mind, it really expanded on a lot of my thoughts on certain topics and helped me fill in the blanks. Thomas Sowell takes apart Obama, nicely done.
EXCELLENT interview.. I watch any and listen to every commentary this man makes. A truly great man and thinker for our country. GOD BLESS THOMAS SOWELL...
His expression at 46:06 on the inset picture is gold - as is his comment at 46:18 Ï may take a sleeping pill to forget it" Ha ha ha. What an absolute legend and quick wit.
Hearing this in 2019, I am glad I was as wrong about Trump as Sowell. He has turned out to be a far better president than I dared hope. Yes I did vote for him, but as lesser of 2 evils. My wife was always extremely enthusiastic about him. I think she somehow read his intentions whereas I was hung up on his inarticulate words.
Sowell's reaction to Obama 37:42 is classic! Someone should make a GIF from that! On the other hand, making him watch Obama clips is like watching him get tortured. :-)
Thank you you two are the most intelligent men of our time!! Not because of the degrees and trappings after your names but the common sense you are blest with ! I have enjoyed you talks any time I can find them on tube.
Elsewhere, Dr. Sowell slyly remarked that one benefit of a Harvard education is not having to be impressed by anyone with a Harvard education. This great interview gives more insight into that.
I am the only one who wants Thomas Sowell to adopt me so I can come over and have chats. He just seems so kind and sincere. An interesting person, for sure!
There is one thing I wish conservatives would understand when it comes to the tax code. It has absolutely nothing to do with funding government. It has everything to do with controlling economic behavior. Obama said it best when he said, you can open a coal plant, you will just be taxed and regulated into bankruptcy. And if we really pay attention to how the elected propose any tax or tax credit/exemption (loophole). The levied tax is meant to cause reduced economic activity or for the individual products/industries. The tax credit/exemption is meant to try and offset the negative economic effect of the tax. And the tax credit/exemption is applied to the political opposite economic activity. Tax carbon energy, tax credit/exemption for green energy. Tax bad behavior and tax credit/exemption for good behaviour. Chutes and ladders with our economy. And if we really pay attention, elected from both parties from ALL levels of government will allow tax credit/exemption or even government subsidies to bribe businesses/ industries or sports teams to move to their city or State. The question and answer as to why only give a tax credit/exemption individually instead of reducing the tax rate for all businesses/ industries? Cause the elected would like to control who can succeed and how they succeed. Again Obama said, we do not begrudge success, so long as your income has been earned FAIRLY. Who defines what is FAIRLY earned income?
