Thomas Sowell on Intellectuals and Society

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 9 май 2024
  • The author of more than a dozen books, Dr. Sowell is now a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. In his newest work, Intellectuals and Society, he will discuss why so many disasters of our time have been committed by experts or intellectuals. You may remember FDRs Brain Trust which according to later studies is a prolonged the depression by several years. The wiz kids at the pentagon under McNamara who managed to mess up the Vietnam War, you can run through an impressive list of things, of disasters brought about by people with very high IQs

Комментарии • 907

  • @veredude
    @veredude 13 лет назад +2748

    When I listen to Dr. Sowell, I'm reminded that America's divide is NOT racial, as much as it is cultural.

  • @buybuydandavis
    @buybuydandavis 8 лет назад +2704

    "It is far easier to concentrate power than it is to concentrate knowledge."
    Wow. That's a good quote.

    • @iant419
      @iant419 3 года назад +5

      He's an absolute factory of amazing quotes.

  • @fredorman2429
    @fredorman2429 3 года назад +741

    Dr Sowell inspires me but the fact that he is aging and we can’t keep him with us also saddens me.

  • @besto8212
    @besto8212 6 лет назад +2768

    There’s nothing older than the idea that “this is new” -Thomas Sowell

  • @jumbojet8
    @jumbojet8 8 лет назад +2721

    Thomas Sowell is an American treasure.

  • @FOR_THE_Pascal.
    @FOR_THE_Pascal. 3 года назад +2565

    He's so wise that he doesn't spend any time trying to convince you, he just lays the facts on the table.

  • @swixican
    @swixican 13 лет назад +583

    Somebody give the guy interviewing Sowell some credit!!!

  • @angelalovarco2680
    @angelalovarco2680 3 года назад +436

    "Many of the great disasters of our time have been committed by 'experts'..." - understatement of the fucking century!

  • @jakejakey5328
    @jakejakey5328 6 лет назад +2576

    thomas sowell is honestly one of the best americans of our generation

  • @kcmaldonado3948
    @kcmaldonado3948 3 года назад +557

    Sadly, so many black Americans have no idea who this man is.

  • @robbyrobrob1
    @robbyrobrob1 9 лет назад +797

    Sowell: Depth of knowledge expressed with minimum words.
    Also, expert yet unfailingly polite debater.
    Well done Professor .

    • @robbyrobrob1
      @robbyrobrob1 9 лет назад +42

      oops, I mean thank-you Professor.

  • @jlilly1961
    @jlilly1961 9 лет назад +756

    Dr. Sowell is my hero.

  • @gregogrady8027
    @gregogrady8027 11 лет назад +1499

    This is an amazing interview. The host never interrupts, belittles, or yells at his guest even when he disagrees indeed it is hard to even tell when he disagrees. What a wonderful way to conduct an interview I wish news media outlets would take note.

  • @mrblank-zh1xy
    @mrblank-zh1xy 4 года назад +395

    I just feel like he's the smartest person I've ever listened to.

    • @ee.es00
      @ee.es00 4 года назад +28

      He's great but don't go too far.

  • @danielgallardo7249
    @danielgallardo7249 3 года назад +414

    Can we take a moment to compliment the interviewer? Not only is he well spoken and well read of Sowell's work, but he asks terrific questions with quotations from Sowell's body of work. And he allows Sowell the necessary amount of time to elaborate his answer.

  • @theunrealjackson
    @theunrealjackson 11 лет назад +1000

    "Gun control is like OSHA for burglars.." Well said Mr. Sowell!

  • @agh8607
    @agh8607 4 года назад +324

    "He is happy with the data that he got, why would he go further?"
    That statement sums up so much that is going wrong in this country. Please go further, please seek information from all sides, be a thinker. It's a gift we all innately share but to few choose to utilize. 🇺🇲

  • @TheRaveMusicArchive
    @TheRaveMusicArchive 3 года назад +1597

    This is an absolute joy to watch in 2020. Oh how the world needs more Thomas Sowells.

  • @SequentialTreasures
    @SequentialTreasures 11 лет назад +1006

    "When you spend a decade writing a 900 page book, something is bugging you!"
    Absolutely brilliant... as well as very funny, too. :)

  • @mediasawdust2458
    @mediasawdust2458 6 лет назад +360

    "There's nothing older than the idea that this is new." Fantastic quote.

  • @dreadarmy
    @dreadarmy 4 года назад +370

    Watching this again almost 10 years after it was posted.... and it seems like it could have been posted yesterday. So topical and on point for today's political climate.

  • @mattturner7531
    @mattturner7531 3 года назад +180

    Sowell is a true scholar, but one who forms opinions on facts, evidence, and in his case a bit of personal experience. This is what I always pictured a college professor to be!

  • @shifra6
    @shifra6 4 года назад +162

    "Are we becoming a nation of intellectuals? I hadn't thought of that. It's a chilling thought".

  • @MichaelHarrisIreland
    @MichaelHarrisIreland 9 лет назад +327

    First time hearing Thomas Sowell and it's enlightening.

    • @BrownSwiss5
      @BrownSwiss5 9 лет назад +31

      ***** Not just him, but his right-hand man Milton Friedman.

    • @BladeOfLight16
      @BladeOfLight16 7 лет назад +36

      Welcome to one of the most refreshing experiences in politics.

  • @KManwarren
    @KManwarren 3 года назад +170

    Thomas Sowell reminds me that I am not an idiot when it comes to my life...the intellectuals outside of their field are.

  • @Min-xm8tp
    @Min-xm8tp 3 года назад +58

    I watch Thomas Sowell Regularly to remind me I'm not in the Invasion of the Body Snatchers

  • @ericgarland3133
    @ericgarland3133 8 лет назад +251

    So much knowledge in such a humble man. He is saying that so called intellectuals are not superior to the rest of us.He is making a very good case for common sense. All that and I watch this and think he is definitely intellectually superior to myself.

    • @johnstockwellmajorsmedleyb1214
      @johnstockwellmajorsmedleyb1214 7 лет назад +15

      Your statement
      "I feel he is definately more intellectually superior to myself."
      Is not uncommon and is fully morally wrong to compare ones self to another in any way let alone to speak of superiority is not fair to yourself also not fair to Mr. Sowell. I believe thats what he is saying right before 3min. I get it, thats what you believe but We are all intellectually totally different.

    • @equinos111
      @equinos111 7 лет назад

      No he is not

    • @Stiekskuh
      @Stiekskuh 7 лет назад +7

      Eric Garland Thomas Sowell is talking about himself, since he's one of these - so called - "intellectuals"!

    • @davidrebatto6713
      @davidrebatto6713 5 лет назад +5

      Yep, it's a good example of the liar paradox.

  • @kvps27
    @kvps27 3 года назад +100

    jesus..I just discovered this guy. i am in love with him. why is he not a goddamn legend?

  • @mjayc321
    @mjayc321 7 лет назад +263

    The clearest, most pragmatic, and cogent thinker on the issues of race, economics, and politics of the last half-century.

  • @MayaAMorella
    @MayaAMorella 4 года назад +71

    This should be in all Primary Schools in the Western World

  • @Mystyx-Sama
    @Mystyx-Sama 3 года назад +208

    This man's knowledge is positively nutritious.

  • @michaelthompson1110
    @michaelthompson1110 3 года назад +157

    Great chemistry between these two. Some of the best interviews I have ever heard. Petersen is excellent and Mr. Sowell is a genius. Well done fellas. We appreciate you both!

  • @non_ez8854
    @non_ez8854 3 года назад +36

    I just found out about this guy and im bingewatching now 🥳

  • @therose1277
    @therose1277 2 года назад +41

    "There's nothing older than the idea that, 'This is new'." - Thomas Sowell
    A clever restatement of "There's nothing new under the sun,"...said in a way that people will see as a new way of looking at things. :)

  • @fredvonhayek4762
    @fredvonhayek4762 9 лет назад +198

    I love it..."restrictions on guns is like OSHA for burglars"

  • @shamrock32
    @shamrock32 3 года назад +27

    All Thomas Sowell videos and interviews need to be downloaded and saved in archives.

  • @comesahorseman
    @comesahorseman 6 лет назад +54

    Never underestimate the appeal of feeling superior to someone else. And, never underestimate the hubris this can generate.

  • @lmc9862
    @lmc9862 3 года назад +86

    The fact that this man can come up with an illustration and explain something complicated as simple as he does, is incredible. That's not just mastery, that's love: selfless love.

  • @karakelian
    @karakelian 3 года назад +118

    Sowell is a national treasure. His books should be included in every high school and college curriculums as required reading. Our country would be MUCH better off.

  • @pfcampos7041
    @pfcampos7041 3 года назад +28

    It's amazing how this video is 12yrs old and is still relevant!

  • @dassemultor6940
    @dassemultor6940 2 года назад +35

    Now this, this is an actual interview. You can tell that the interviewer loves his work very much.

  • @anthonydicianni3509
    @anthonydicianni3509 3 года назад +27

    One of the reasons I think Reagan was such a good president was because he knew his limitations. So instead of acting like he knew economic policies, he sat down with 5 economists and wanted them to come up with an economic plan. That shows a great leader, something that is missing with politicians today who think they know best.

  • @dnganga
    @dnganga 13 лет назад +82

    How I wish I had known of this man much earlier in my life-he is great!

  • @josephmro
    @josephmro 3 года назад +38

    Huge credit to peter as well for a really provocative and respectful interview of this brilliant and courageous man mr sowell

  • @cliftontorrence839
    @cliftontorrence839 Год назад +8

    That anecdote about the aircraft landing gear is priceless. One personal mantra throughout my adult life has been, "What do we 'know' that is actually worth knowing?'" For 50yrs of working life I was a cabinetmaker surrounded by dangerous tools and equipment that could remove my hands or kill me in an instant. It took a long time to learn how to behave and succeed in that kind of environment. Point being: production separates wheat from chaff. Sowell is right about ideas.

  • @LoliPantsu8
    @LoliPantsu8 8 лет назад +119

    Sowell is brilliant. He reminds me of Hayek.

    • @ShiftEnigma
      @ShiftEnigma 7 лет назад +42

      He is the only person alive to be taught by hayek, freidman and stigler .

  • @amostake
    @amostake 12 лет назад +68

    This is why I like Thomas Sowell. He's real. He takes sometimes difficult topics, and speaks them at a level anyone can understand. Haven't you heard someone who was really smart, but you couldn't understand anything he says? Not Sowell. You can read his stuff, listen to his interview, and grasp everything he has to say. I am going to get this book.

  • @nasticanasta
    @nasticanasta 3 года назад +58

    God, please don’t take Mr. Sowell anytime soon, we need him and this idealism more than ever!

  • @joemachunda
    @joemachunda Год назад +13

    Intellect and book smart cannot always be compared to wisdom

  • @rob-robi
    @rob-robi 3 года назад +35

    Thomas speaking generally is just loaded with great quotes.

  • @thinman8621
    @thinman8621 3 года назад +26

    January, 2021. We need more Thomas Sowells.

  • @timothyf7621
    @timothyf7621 2 года назад +26

    Every time I read/listen/watch Dr. Thomas Sowell... I get smarter! And so does he!!!

  • @dolobandz7431
    @dolobandz7431 2 года назад +8

    That man Dr.Sowell with those cazal frames 🔥

  • @ryinewman7265
    @ryinewman7265 3 года назад +32

    Just So much Common Sense coming from this man. Love him

  • @C2yourself
    @C2yourself 3 года назад +35

    This ought to be mandatory viewing in all high school US history and civics classes!

  • @GeoffreyJohns
    @GeoffreyJohns 3 года назад +25

    Uncommon knowledge has become one of my favorite channels

  • @gregggoodnight9889
    @gregggoodnight9889 3 года назад +51

    Sowell is a genius and a national treasure. Most intellectually honest person in the world.

  • @amythompson7700
    @amythompson7700 3 года назад +30

    I wish I could give this interview with Thomas a hundred thumbs up!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • @ridethenimbus
    @ridethenimbus Год назад +5

    Mr Sowell is a Phenomenon of Wisdom...

  • @anamneses28
    @anamneses28 5 лет назад +128

    What a fantastic interview. I could've listened for hours. Absolutely intriguing!

  • @rcrkbr
    @rcrkbr 11 лет назад +61

    From Brazil: it's one of the best books that i read in my entire life!! Sowell is perfect in his ideas, because he don't fight against facts. The utopians, and leftists in general, do it.

  • @jacirasantanna7221
    @jacirasantanna7221 5 лет назад +88

    Dr. Sowell an American personality , a treasure for all the Western World.

  • @dlive1391
    @dlive1391 4 года назад +67

    Too many people just don’t get it. This good Sir gets it! I have the utmost respect for this man

  • @derikandreoli5177
    @derikandreoli5177 3 года назад +66

    Watching this in 2021.... after being red pilled about a year ago.

  • @panzermarche
    @panzermarche 11 лет назад +65

    Love Dr Sowell's laugh,it drives the intellectuals crazy.

  • @DenonGregory
    @DenonGregory 3 года назад +56

    This man is amazing! His state of mind is so healthy.. Perfectly explained everything and I agreed with every bit. It's nice to find someone or some people similar to yourself when you're surrounded by people who think nothing like this nowadays.

  • @jdcalderone5140
    @jdcalderone5140 8 лет назад +78

    Sowell is an incredible man! Such great beliefs and a great story.

  • @vinestreet4031
    @vinestreet4031 2 года назад +27

    Dr. Sowell is an intellectual grounded in reality. He has a Mark Twain and Yogi Berra quality to him that’s not moved by BS.

  • @filbird
    @filbird 2 года назад +13

    I’m always astonished by the ease and speed with which Dr. Sowell responds to complicated questions.

  • @Dommo1992
    @Dommo1992 13 лет назад +35

    "there is nothing older than the idea that this is new"
    great quote

  • @lacedemonians
    @lacedemonians 11 лет назад +47

    Wow, Sowell is absolutely brilliant.

  • @flashwashington2735
    @flashwashington2735 Год назад +4

    Thank you for this. It is joy to witness the man's good humor and alacrity of mind.

  • @motto775
    @motto775 14 лет назад +37

    this guy is one of the best kept secrets around. god bless you thomas sowell!

  • @snapcracklepop3228
    @snapcracklepop3228 3 года назад +28

    God Blessed this man. Dr. Sowell, Thank you for everything you have taught me over the many years. I have listened closely. Good health to you Sir.

  • @LmtdShady
    @LmtdShady 2 года назад +6

    I would like to note that the host is also very intelligent and keeps a conversation very well.

  • @ninjaturtlefan2003
    @ninjaturtlefan2003 3 года назад +35

    Let's all remember this came out ten years ago...and every word is still relevant. Dowell is brilliant and our culture is only going more downhill.

  • @joshstanton267
    @joshstanton267 2 года назад +11

    If I was living in the US I'd be trying to get into his lecture hall. I wanna hear more. Man's clearly a wealth of knowledge.

  • @andrewcalvarese
    @andrewcalvarese 12 лет назад +42

    This man is brilliant.

  • @photomukund
    @photomukund 3 года назад +30

    There is a certain joy in listening to two knowledgeable people talk and at least understand a bit as a listener.

  • @EngineeringRevue
    @EngineeringRevue 13 лет назад +41

    Thomas Sowell is beyond amazing.

  • @rjjstephan
    @rjjstephan 10 лет назад +54

    A W E S O M E.....my idol, Dr. Sowell is a philospher's philsopher!

  • @freedomandliberty93
    @freedomandliberty93 11 лет назад +15

    His compassion between the engineer and the intellectual has immense validity.

  • @jimibarrett8362
    @jimibarrett8362 2 года назад +12

    It would have been so cool to have him as my history teacher

  • @jazeenharal6013
    @jazeenharal6013 2 года назад +9

    I absolutely love this man.

  • @alejandrogonzalez8150
    @alejandrogonzalez8150 3 года назад +12

    I feel enriched having watched this.

  • @deucedecker4903
    @deucedecker4903 2 года назад +10

    WOW 16:50 ! Sowell's observation mentioned at that moment lays bare one of the reasons for the confounding behavior of humans as members of a society. This is one reason why people like Sowell are so treasured ane who's works must be read and thought about.

  • @devilsadvocate5817
    @devilsadvocate5817 10 лет назад +103

    I would give my left eyebrow just to have dinner with Dr. Sowell.

  • @angusmcangus7914
    @angusmcangus7914 3 года назад +17

    This man is golden. He is up there with Sir Roger Scruton (RIP). A discussion between them would have been brain-food of the highest order.

  • @arnieus866
    @arnieus866 Год назад +14

    We do NOT all have the same potential. I would say we all deserve the right to develop the potential we do have. I have studied chess and every Bobby Fischer game. What I really learned is that I don't have the potential to be a chess grand master like Fischer. I understand concepts but can't visualize consequences of moves like him. I can never play basketball like Michael Jordan. I can never sing like Caruso. I can't play jazz like Charlie Parker. I can't understand most of what Einstein talked about. I have attempted all the above. Thankfully I discovered my potential in graphic communication and web programming.

  • @mesolithicman164
    @mesolithicman164 Год назад +6

    I want Thomas Sowell to live forever, can we please arrange that?

  • @lumberjackcity9199
    @lumberjackcity9199 4 года назад +34

    "There's nothing older than the idea that this is new."
    Classic!

  • @aryrosh4344
    @aryrosh4344 3 года назад +11

    As a French I can say he talk like a bourgeois . Not average American doesn't talk like him...beautiful to listen him talking.

  • @Rockstago
    @Rockstago 4 года назад +24

    Dr. Sowell is TRUELY an American treasure!

  • @johnmarkharris
    @johnmarkharris 3 года назад +9

    I love the look on Tom's face when he says "yes" as though "well of course!" :-)

  • @scottl6384
    @scottl6384 3 года назад +34

    Income is not distributed. BRILLIANT! You have to earn it.

  • @phyllisjohnson8456
    @phyllisjohnson8456 2 года назад +8

    Looove this black man, he’s a jewel.

  • @laotzu3258
    @laotzu3258 4 года назад +28

    Putting power in intellectual hands has turned intellectuals into crooks.

  • @budthecyborg4575
    @budthecyborg4575 Год назад +3

    Timeless interview, there will never be a day when the words spoken here are not applicable to society.

  • @suzyschwarz7023
    @suzyschwarz7023 3 года назад +24

    What a pleasure to listen to intelligent thoughtful conversations,we need so many more. Very edifying thank you.

  • @shaunmc013
    @shaunmc013 8 лет назад +42

    He's like the most awesome philosopher ever....