The Life and Work of Thomas Sowell | Glenn Loury, John McWhorter, and Jason Riley | The Glenn Show
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- Опубликовано: 12 июн 2024
- Support the Glenn Show on Substack: glennloury.substack.com
0:00 Intro
1:10 Comparing the legacies of Thomas Sowell and George Schuyler
5:27 Making the case for Sowell’s significance
16:55 The task of the popularizer
23:55 Why Sowell’s book A Conflict of Visions is important
31:15 The norm of inter-group disparity
40:47 What happened to Glenn’s generation of heterodox Black intellectuals?
50:12 Why it’s hard to be a conservative in academia
59:54 Where is the left-wing critique of progressive racial politics?
Glenn Loury (Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, Brown University), John McWhorter (Columbia University, Lexicon Valley, The Atlantic), and Jason Riley (The Wall Street Journal, The Manhattan Institute, Maverick: A Biography of Thomas Sowell). Recorded July 16, 2021.
Intro by Kevin Zych
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Oh no he's not a great Black thinker , that doesnt do him justice, HE IS A GREAT THINKER PERIOD ,UP THERE WITH THE GREATEST MINDS OF THE LAST HUNDRED YEARS , AND ONE OF THE MOST DECENT HUMANS EVER TO GRACE OUR PLANET , THAT IS THOMAS SOWELL,
@@matthiassaiki324 Anyone can be great.
@@matthiassaiki324 Comparing him to just black thinkers is a disservice to Thomas Sowell when he can be compared to anyone.
Because he’s a great thinker when compared with all other thinkers across history.
I'm sorry , was I not effusive enough in my admiration of Dr Sowell , let me reiterate, if I wasnt clear , He is One of the finest men and minds this country and the world has produced , up there with Bertrand Russell , and dare I say Einstein, and it's a God damn shame that his named is not on the lips of more Black Intellectuals and Academics, Glenn Loury and John Mcwhorter know of and speak to his importance and stature the country needs to give Dr Sowell a medal , that how much I respect Dr Sowell, he is THE MAN.
I've read most of his books , and his ability to put complex ideas in simple easy to read And enjoyable to read form is amazing.
I appreciate and respect Thomas Sowell and I'm not black. Mr Sowell definitely speaks to all thinking Americans. He transcends the boxes.
Sowell is amazing. 91 years old and still kicking ass on every intellectual exchange he gets into!
😸
Sowell didn't support the civil right movement and there is nothing amazing about him.
Hey. He and Clarence Thomas are black men of the old school. "I know you tried to shut me out, but you couldn't. I was too good". If there was more of that defiant spirit and less whining, all this crap wouldn't even be an issue. I knew many black men of the 60s. Some very fine, and some decidedly less so. That didn't make them less a man, at all. But they made families and supported them. Even when they went to jail, which IS a problem among a certain percentage. Their non-jail black friends always used to say, "He is an unfortunate soul."
I knew these men. Where are they hiding now? I wish I knew.
I have been reading Thomas Sowell for 40 years. I was once far left, then right, now just independent. Wherever i was on the political spectrum, reading Thomas Sowell is, and has always been, like a drink of cool, clean water on a hot July day. J
Glenn when are you going to sit down with Thomas Sowell for a conversation? The world needs to see this!!
I'm an ordinary person and by no means a scholar. However I've been reading T. Sowell's books for a decade because he's genius, brilliant and timeless. He's impeccable in his delivery and so eloquently matter of fact. I've even named my sulcata tortoise Tom Sowell and that tortoise will out live me by decades and i hope that when my grandchildren inherit him they'll ask why is his name Thomas Sowell.
Sowell is dumb.
Does not write his own stuff.
That's Awesome!
@@allforjesus1971 It is not.
Missed some:
His army of apologists belittle anyone who questions their beloved Sowell - while they promote principles I followed to find he didn’t. Thomas Sowell peddled partisan hackery on the biggest and costly lie in modern history. And how many of you have the guts to look at facts that fly in the face your convictions about this man: Barely above zero.
So I ask ya: Where are those "principles" when it comes at a price? Glenn Loury once called my writing "brilliant" and was "blown away" by my site and signed up. But he wasn't too keen on the truth when I took his hero to task. Funny how that works. These purveyors of virtue sit on their high horse trying to reach the irrational who behave stupidly to protect their shortsighted interests. But the second they're challenged (or anyone in their community), they turn on a dime to change the rules (instantly abandoning their precious "principles" to protect their shortsighted interests while behaving stupidly).
Glenn said they no argument against his "[R]ebuttal to Brown University’s letter on racism in the United States." Neither do you on your "National Treasure."
"Sowell is a great man because of his books. I stand by that. you want to refute his books - go ahead. I’m listening." - Glenn Loury
You confine his record to a box of beliefs that suit you - and "stand by that": How noble of you! So the rules of argument you espouse on a daily basis don’t apply to you and your ever-growing audience of dittoheads. Got it!
When you see a sentence like “Not a trace of Thomas Sowell’s ‘follow the facts’ claim to fame can be found on the most world-altering topic of our time”: "I have no idea what you’re talking about" -- is not the mark of an intellectual giant (or an intellectual on any level). What part of “WMD,” “biggest and most costly lie in modern history,” and “most world-altering topic of our time” - do you not understand? Perhaps an inquiry or two for clarification was in order?
"So you found one small crack in Sowell’s character where he defended Iraq having WMD, does that hurt his credibility?" -- some fool on Twitter
This man muddied the waters of debate to serve himself - on a little matter of war in the Middle East in the aftermath of 9/11. Factoring for his history of hypocrisy and lying on that - along with ripping the Left while shamelessly ignoring the debauchery on the Right: That “one small crack” is a wide-open window into his character and credibility.
Sowell sold out to sell those books you stand by - and for 20 years, I’ve been practically spit on for following principles those same people promote on a daily basis.
Repeatedly rehashing issues is not the mark of problem solving - it’s the mark of a market. These people are not "brilliant" and they haven't made a dent in the issues they incessantly talk about. In fact, they're making matters worse -- but they can change all that by broadening the debate. "How so?" -- I hope you ask. To get the answer, you're gonna have to put some time & effort in. But who wants to work our way to solutions when it's so much easier to endlessly complain about problems?
Here's your chance to stand apart:
************************
Work is a journey on which you welcome challenge.
Work does not instantly respond - work digs to discover and inquires to clarify. Work is difficult and demands discernment. Work wonders, pauses, listens, absorbs, and reflects.
Work does not rest on who’s right and who’s wrong: Work wants to know if there’s something more to see, something to learn, something that sharpens the mind. Work never stops building on the foundation of your own work and what you learn from the work of others.
Work works its way through material that is not easy.
Work recognizes complexity and the demands of in-depth explanation. Work will go on a trip to ideas that take time and effort to understand. Work knows that you can’t see a solution without understanding the different dimensions of a problem.
Work does not defend before you consider.
Work does not race to conclusions - work arrives at them through careful consideration. Work is willing is rethink what you think you know. Work takes integrity, courtesy, curiosity, courage, and decency.
Work comes with the willingness to be wrong.
Work is not self-satisfied. Work does not sling snippets of certitude - work crafts argument on the merits. Work is an exchange where each party takes information into account. Work does not issue childish insults - work demands that you act your age. Work respects your intelligence by using it - and shows respect to others as we work our way to mutual respect. Work won’t be pretty and might even get ugly - but work will do what it takes to work it out.
And if you wanna start solving problems - work is what it’s gonna take.
Speaking of work: I’m looking for fiercely independent thinkers for an idea that could turn the tide. If you’re not interested in hearing me out and having meaningful conversation - we have nothing to talk about and I wish you well. Please contact me through the site or DM on Twitter - as I no longer respond to Tweets or superficial fragments of any kind. You can find the site in the description to this link: ruclips.net/video/p4hMfZfN8WA/видео.html
OR
You can go to “OneVoiceBecameTwo” dot life (same as wordpress.com) to find “Do You Want to Solve Problems or Protest About Them?”
Thank you!
. . .
@@mounteverestoftheobvious1182 I'm not part of any army and am sorry you feel as you do about Thomas Sowell. Unfortunately for you, your voice is wasted upon those who do appreciate him.
I wish you would do a Part II for this discussion so you can discuss even more of Thomas Sowell's works and ideas.
Yes! This was too short.
Do a part 2 please.. 🙏
Its never enough
Could not agree more.
Was coming down to the comment section to say exactly that. All the things that Glen mentioned he wished he had time to get to would easily make for an interesting discussion or two.
Thomas Sowell should be celebrated by every single American. There is no scholar, philosopher, economist, whatever you want to call him, whom I respect more. If I could pick one person to be the leader of this country, it would be Thomas. He’s 92 now & I would vote for him over any individual on this planet, right now!
Every single Thomas Sowell book available on Audible is in my audible library and some in hard copy on my shelves. I admit my decades of ignorance and am making up for lost time. Thomas Sowell's exquisitely explained human traits and how they show up in economics have blown my mind! I'm so appreciative of him
I really love listening to people who can adequately present counterarguments to their own beliefs. Unfortunately this is not the way mainstream "discourse" happens today. I wish these men, as well as Thomas Sowell, were respected more in the mainstream as "black voices". So much to learn from this.
Am I the only one who enjoyed watching McWhorter’s reactions while the other two were talking ?
No, that's me, too.
Yes, McWhorter is a drug addled creep who keeps chewing his own face.
"I am fighting a lawn mover that's not going away" is the perfect analogy when critiquing Kendi.
Kendi the mascot for the leftist race hustlers.
Thank you for this conversation. Discovered Sowell a decade ago in the pages of Pinker's Blank Slate. Been engaging with Sowell's works for a decade now. Fearless, original, powerful. The way we all wanted to be but never could. That's really my casual hypothesis of why he was ignored, weak people cannot stare into the sun for too long.
trump disproved your last line w/ impunity
Love me some Jason Riley. Love me some Thomas Sowell. Love me some John and Glenn!
Thomas Sowell; one of the greatest of American intellectuals,
Wow - 3 of my faves all in one ! I have binge watched sowell - never heard of him until covid ! His words are timeless ! Actually found all of you during covid - read Jason’s other book - please stop helping us !
The way this video is titled, and then the beginning of the conversation, I really thought for a minute that Sowell had passed away. I'm glad he did not. Very good show today.
A lot of the video titles about him are worded that way, at least the ones I see.
It’s a miracle he’s still alive. May he live another decade
@@Dyadactic and fully functioning.
Dear Glenn, John and Jason - this was great, thank you. Please have a part 2 of this conversation.
I'm happy to have shared the planet at the same time as a man such as Thomas Sowell. The extent to which his clear-thinking genius and integrity have been ignored and unappreciated is appalling. He deserves so much more.
Thomas Sowell is a rare genius gem of a human being. More people should read his books!
He stinks.
No thanks.
@@ondolite3789 that's your upper lip you're smelling
@@fraa888grindr6 Thxfallettinminnoe.
@@fraa888grindr6they use one word descriptors but never offer a cogent and intelligent rebuttal backed up by statistics that aren’t manipulated.
It’s the true handling he puts on the “intellectuals” that assume no true risk for the consequences of the ideas they pose, or the tendency of them to assume they possess the ability to speak into every subject when their list of subjects truly mastered is very short (they don’t stay in their lane) that truly makes them emotional.
We need to get off the left right duality and move to a wisdom / foolishness duality to save our nation. These guys are leading the way.
We need a factual/science based narrative. What has happened in the last 2 decades is a realization of liberal academics that their arguments cannot hold up against scientific rigor. That is why debate and conversation is not allowed. Demonizing has replaced debate. Liberal theories have not been successful in practice. Rather than admit the theories are flawed, they crush debate and change the rules.
@@denisgrady7379 agree with the addendum that we can’t get caught up ONLY in empirical evidence as a method of winning an argument. There needs to be wisdom to go along with it. Wisdom that, quite frankly, young people can’t possibly have yet. And most older people mistake for their ideologies.
@Brandon Maymeaning having experience, knowledge and good judgement. Your previous reply would be an example of the opposite. No one is right all of the time and in every instance.
John McWhorter. His thoughtfulness and mannerisms and approach to academics is what I want to try to emulate. I like the others here, but McWhorter's approach to listening is great.
He is such a sleazy git.
You need to stop this.
@@ondolite3789 A cut to YOUR reaction would be you doing a Bannon. A disheveled, big headed(small brain though) small digited boy, drinking his own goo.
Glen Lowery is the GOAT of steelmanning.
absolutely
I have read two of Thomas Sowells many books and I was blown away. He IS one of THE GREATEST thinkers.
@Down with Corporate Amerika Don't be scared to open a book
Lol
Am reading other comments and I had the same thought when I realized there was only 5 minutes left! It was too short! Glenn mentioned other discussion points not hit on yet! Please do a part 2 (or 3 of you want 🤗).
It just wasn’t long enough!
Loury stinks.
Greatest line in any Econ book “ The first lesson of economics is scarcity: There is never enough of anything to satisfy all those who want it. The first lesson of politics is to disregard the first lesson of economics.” TS
I try to keep a pretty diverse group of concervative and populist voices on my youtube subscriptions. However Glenn, John. You Two Black Guys are my favorites. Your down to earth discussions admition of your faltering throughout your lives. The shift in your thinking at one time or another is reminiscent of my own political and basic life journey. Thanks for your time sharing your thoughts on life and politics.
And Jason Riley? What a great speaker and very thoughtful and intelligent man.
Ive watch every interview of Thomas Sowell and I watch them over and over again...
Thank you, God Bless you
Most economists both black and white couldn’t hold Dr. Sowell’s jock strap.
Nor would they want to after its been camped on your nose for so long
@@buckchile614keep your fantasies to yourself
We need a part 2! This was fabulous! Really enjoyed Jason’s contributions, very enlightening conversation.
Thomas Sowell has taught me more in just a few books than thousands of others. A man of all men, a legend. I hope.
As a 68 year old American, Caucasian-skinned, whose ancestors originated primarily from Northern Europe, mostly Germany, I am a relatively new convert to the teachings, writings, and RUclips videos of Dr. Thomas Sowell.
When I see him, I see, of course, the color of his skin, & the texture of his hair, which immediately identify him as of African descent. What I also see, which is equally, if not more important, is the manner of his dress. Which is elegant, as I cannot recall ever not seeing him dressed in a three piece suit, shirt, and tie.
When he speaks, it is with a clarity that is remarkable in this age of poor language skills, slang language, made up words, word contractions & abbreviations.
Both Dr. Sowell, and Dr. Jordan Peterson, both popped up on my phone as a result of my RUclips algorithm, at approximately the same time during the middle part of 2021.
I have been avidly watching everything from both men that I can find. I will say that Dr. Sowell's legacy is much deeper than Dr. Peterson's, with his large catalog of books, written on a diverse range of subjects.
Dr. Sowell seems to me to be more comfortable in his own skin than does Dr. Peterson, but both are obviously deep thinkers that bring a contrary perspective to all of the subjects that have been, currently are, and in all likelihood, will continue to be, hotly debated in American public discourse.
I will echo many other people's sentiments here by stating that Dr. Thomas Sowell is a National Treasure. I have been interested in history my entire life, and I rarely watch one of Dr. Sowell's videos without learning at least 1 new thing on subjects that I had previously considered myself to be relatively familiar with.
Their discussion about being a “popularizer” was interesting and it made me think of Albert Einstein, who a quote was attributed to (I’m not 100% if he actually said it) which was him trying to explain the Theory of Relativity to laymen and he said “if you are sitting on a hot stove a minute can feel like an hour, if you sit on a porch wing with a pretty girl, an hour can feel like a minute.”
The only living man I love and respect without reservation. Machiavelli said better feared than loved but I would willing go into battle for Dr. Thomas Sowell.
Health and well-being to you Thomas Sowell.
The man’s a genius. He is modern histories great mind. May he live on.
I feel so fortunate to have lived, read, and listened in a world that includes you men (and Thomas Sowell). With all due humility, I thank you for this blog and everything else you do to inform us and for setting an intellectual and personal standard we should all aspire to achieve.
Just a jock who was picked up to establish white innocence.
If you truly have humility, I could simply say, "I know something about these guys that you don't. Glenn Loury once called my writing 'brilliant' and was 'blown away' by my site and signed up. But he wasn't too keen on the truth when I took his hero to task."
And humility would begin to wonder --- not ramp up to defend. Humility would be curious about what I wrote to receive such high praise from a man of Loury's caliber. Humility would want to know why I went out after his hero and what are my motivations and credentials for doing so.
Having humility takes guts -- and the willingness to recognize that what you perceive as reality, may have some holes -- and humility keeps the door open:
======================================
His army of apologists belittle anyone who questions their beloved Sowell - while they promote principles I followed to find he didn’t. Thomas Sowell peddled partisan hackery on the biggest and costly lie in modern history. And how many of you have the guts to look at facts that fly in the face your convictions about this man: Barely above zero.
So I ask ya: Where are those "principles" when it comes at a price? Glenn Loury once called my writing "brilliant" and was "blown away" by my site and signed up. But he wasn't too keen on the truth when I took his hero to task. Funny how that works. These purveyors of virtue sit on their high horse trying to reach the irrational who behave stupidly to protect their shortsighted interests. But the second they're challenged (or anyone in their community), they turn on a dime to change the rules (instantly abandoning their precious "principles" to protect their shortsighted interests while behaving stupidly).
Glenn said they no argument against his "[R]ebuttal to Brown University’s letter on racism in the United States." Neither do you on your "National Treasure."
"Sowell is a great man because of his books. I stand by that. you want to refute his books - go ahead. I’m listening." - Glenn Loury
You confine his record to a box of beliefs that suit you - and "stand by that": How noble of you! So the rules of argument you espouse on a daily basis don’t apply to you and your ever-growing audience of dittoheads. Got it!
When you see a sentence like “Not a trace of Thomas Sowell’s ‘follow the facts’ claim to fame can be found on the most world-altering topic of our time”: "I have no idea what you’re talking about" -- is not the mark of an intellectual giant (or an intellectual on any level). What part of “WMD,” “biggest and most costly lie in modern history,” and “most world-altering topic of our time” - do you not understand? Perhaps an inquiry or two for clarification was in order?
"So you found one small crack in Sowell’s character where he defended Iraq having WMD, does that hurt his credibility?" -- some fool on Twitter
This man muddied the waters of debate to serve himself - on a little matter of war in the Middle East in the aftermath of 9/11. Factoring for his history of hypocrisy and lying on that - along with ripping the Left while shamelessly ignoring the debauchery on the Right: That “one small crack” is a wide-open window into his character and credibility.
Sowell sold out to sell those books you stand by - and for 20 years, I’ve been practically spit on for following principles those same people promote on a daily basis.
Repeatedly rehashing issues is not the mark of problem solving - it’s the mark of a market. These people are not "brilliant" and they haven't made a dent in the issues they incessantly talk about. In fact, they're making matters worse -- but they can change all that by broadening the debate. "How so?" -- I hope you ask. To get the answer, you're gonna have to put some time & effort in. But who wants to work our way to solutions when it's so much easier to endlessly complain about problems?
Here's your chance to stand apart:
************************
Work is a journey on which you welcome challenge.
Work does not instantly respond - work digs to discover and inquires to clarify. Work is difficult and demands discernment. Work wonders, pauses, listens, absorbs, and reflects.
Work does not rest on who’s right and who’s wrong: Work wants to know if there’s something more to see, something to learn, something that sharpens the mind. Work never stops building on the foundation of your own work and what you learn from the work of others.
Work works its way through material that is not easy.
Work recognizes complexity and the demands of in-depth explanation. Work will go on a trip to ideas that take time and effort to understand. Work knows that you can’t see a solution without understanding the different dimensions of a problem.
Work does not defend before you consider.
Work does not race to conclusions - work arrives at them through careful consideration. Work is willing is rethink what you think you know. Work takes integrity, courtesy, curiosity, courage, and decency.
Work comes with the willingness to be wrong.
Work is not self-satisfied. Work does not sling snippets of certitude - work crafts argument on the merits. Work is an exchange where each party takes information into account. Work does not issue childish insults - work demands that you act your age. Work respects your intelligence by using it - and shows respect to others as we work our way to mutual respect. Work won’t be pretty and might even get ugly - but work will do what it takes to work it out.
And if you wanna start solving problems - work is what it’s gonna take.
Speaking of work: I’m looking for fiercely independent thinkers for an idea that could turn the tide. If you’re not interested in hearing me out and having meaningful conversation - we have nothing to talk about and I wish you well. Please contact me through the site or DM on Twitter - as I no longer respond to Tweets or superficial fragments of any kind. You can find the site in the description to this link: ruclips.net/video/p4hMfZfN8WA/видео.html
OR
You can go to “OneVoiceBecameTwo” dot life (same as wordpress.com) to find “Do You Want to Solve Problems or Protest About Them?”
Thank you!
. . .
Word! This was too short! Another hour or so next week please? There are the issues like affirmative action, immigration, role of culture, etc. which you did not delve into!
There is never a point where everything else is 100% equal. If merit is the standard no one can ever cry racism or affirmative action hire. It's a divisive start that will never create equal outcomes.
@@Pacmon0 I’m not sure I understand your argument. All things equal, hire black: why?
Thomas Sowell , THOMAS SOWELL , THOMAS SOWELL, HE IS THE MAN,HIS ERUDITION IS OFF THE CHARTS.
Oh my, this was fantastic but certainly not long enough. Years ago, I became angry that I had not heard of Thomas Sowell until around 2000. I attended college in the mid/late 70s where I was only exposed to liberal ideology. If college professors would have taught us about the constrained and unconstrained vision in the humanities I would have at least been given a counter-narrative to my former woke position back then. I have wondered aloud why there are no Critical Thinking 101 courses, to my knowledge, offered to help students think past their emotions void of proselytizing by instructors. Of course, Dr. Sowell's books would be assigned reading. Are we at such a divisive place in society that even this would create a scandal on American college campuses?
Well stated, Valencia. If we're not taught critical and analytical thinking skills, and we're kept poorly informed we'll believe anyone who uses fear, hyperbole or outright lies to get followers.
@@jayelle9420 So, true.
Bravo , bravo I couldn't agree more , and Dr Sowell would be pleased with your Wise , Perceptive, and Succint, summations ,and exactly to your point , Critical Thinking 101 , this starts in the classroom and the campus.We are breeding a society the cant truly think and reason, and that's a constituency that's easily led about by the nose.
THE PROBLEM WITH SOCIETY AS I SEE IT, IS THAT ALL THE INTELLIGENT PEOPLE ARE FULL OF DOUBT, AND ALL THE IGNORANT FULL OF SELF CONFIDENCE. CHARLES BUKOWSKI
Intelligent people state the opinions and then say , BUT I COULD BE WRONG, WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME WE HEARD ANYONE, BE IT POLITICIANS, MOGULS, TALKING NEWS HEADS GIVE THEIR OPINIONS AND ADD, DRUMROLL PLEASE, BUT I COULD BE WRONG.
I've read Dr. Sowell's columns since I was in college back in the early 90s. I found is interviews and debates on RUclips in the 2000s. I've had A Conflict of Visions for years and have never taken the time to read it to my detriment. I just grabbed it off the bookshelf last night and am going to read it.
good idea! it's great
He did not write those columns.
@@ondolite3789 he didn’t write columns?
@@divinegon4671 No he didn't.
This is, however, quite a common practice. Not particular to Sowell.
Thomas Sowell deserves to be recognised widely. It is a desperate shame and indictment of the majority of the media that his body of work is ignored.
It seems to me a "popularizer", in order to communicate to laypersons, must have a greater understanding of the subject than their peers.
100% If you can't explain a topic to a non expert, you don't know it well enough.
I think part of the reason "popularizers" are looked down on is that many intellectuals feel the need to gate keep the common rabble out of their walled off discussions because they know how inane, petty, and useless 90+% of their ideas actually are. In the market place of ideas, Ibrahim X Kennedy probably loses without institutional support propping up his drivel. Many intellectuals aren't worth the ink their ideas are written with. I think they mask their envy of folks like Dr Sowell with disdain, as they are not half the person that he is.
I would love to see a conversation between Dr Sowell and Dr Peterson. I think they share an underlying desire for people to do well for themselves and succeed.
I disagree with you guys a little, I think. Some people are just better at simplifying than others, that's all. I've come across plenty of very talented people who clearly know what they're doing, but they struggle mightily to explain to a layperson wth they're doing and how. Others have no issue with it.
I actually think Sowell is much more well known than the people Jason mentions. Those people are just more popular among the type of people (maybe 5% of the population) who promote the current popular left wing positions to the public and avid NPR listeners.
He is referring to the mainstream media which gives more attention to frauds like Micheal Eric Dyson than a towering figure like Thomas Sowell. Thomas Sowell is rarely on mainstream media and when he does appear on television it’s on Fox News which is a taboo and stigmatized
This is wishful thinking
@@TerryStewart32 Got it. I'm just going by sheer volume of things I see online. When I was younger and looking for a book on economics I remember seeing that "Basic Economics" was one of the top recommendations on Amazon. That was almost 20 years ago. These latest race cult people have been around for 5 minutes.
I began to read Thomas Sowell's works when I was studying Economic History at the University of Wisconsin in 1969. And I've been reading his work ever since.
The difference between Thomas Sowell and the other "thinkers" mentioned in this interview is that Sowell's advice would work just as well for somebody of any race. Actually, I think that might have been the point.
Some of my favorite yt dudes talking about a personal hero of mine! Nice
I never think of Thomas Sowell as “black”. I just think of him as brilliant. He tells the hard truth on all topics and opened my thoughts on the history of Ireland even though his version was pretty dark and unpleasant. But that’s what makes him great..complete intellectual honesty.
It absolutely warms the cockles of my heart to see McWhorter nodding in agreement with conservative thought as it applies to black culture. One can only hope he is internalizing more than just nodding.
This was a wonderful conversation. Sowell had a major impact on my life starting with Basic Economics. My bookshelves are lined with his titles. He is a first÷rate writer who can explain complex concepts with great skill and depth to a lay person like me. No easy intellectual feat...
I agree, I wish Professor Sowell was younger! This man has allowed the empowerment to recognize and accept the true. God bless Thomas Sowell!
im 29yr old white woman in australia reading Thomas Sowell. Reading his writing feels like an insight into Australia’s own potential future.
I'm so glad you finally talked about A Conflict of Visions! The whole first 20 minutes of this talk I was jumping around wanting to argue with Glenn that Thomas Sowell was much more than just an economist. A Conflicts of Visions is one of the most important moral philosophy book of the 20th century bar none. The first time I read it it absolutely blew my mind. And it launched Sowell into my personal pantheon of great moral philosophers, alongside Edmund Burke and George Orwell. Sowell took the intuitive metaphors of Burke and Orwell (Burke's guillotine in the garden of Enlightenment philosophy and Orwell's boot smashing the human face) and he constructed a logical rubric that can be applied to every human society to show the eternal battle between the "constrained" and "unconstrained" visions of human nature. It explains Christianity and the French Revolution just as well as it explains Mao Tia Tung and Critical Race Theory. And it puts them in terms that can be applied to practical economic and political problems. This was an absolutely stunning intellectual feat. And I totally agree with McWhroter: Conflict of Visions should be required reading for every policy maker.
For me, Prof. Thomas Sowell is one of the most admired writer in my life, yet I am of European descent that from the age of 10 joined my father in then Tanganyika, year 1949. I did not know English, but first learned Swahili, which later made me meet President Nyerere, who was a "great man", though in height much shorter than I.
I followed all his life, and appreciated that he even apologized to his nation for having introduced an ideology that only brought poverty. The other person I really respected was Nelson Mandela.
I learned that all humans have the same needs and desires in life, and that there is good and bad in all of us, irrespective of skin coloration, and I get mad when people classify persons by the skin color, and not by what really distinguishes any person from another.
Absolutely awesome content! I salute all 3 of you and appreciate what you do. 🙏🏽💪🏽
Love your vlog, one of my faves. Easily some of the best conversations on the web.
I wish every black, brown, and white child would be taught and fully understand the intellectual prowess of Thomas Sowell, an absolute national treasure! These three black men along with many many others are so underrated and have dealt with more racism from white liberals for having the audacity to think for themselves instead of their group identity that white liberals get to define. All three of you including many others are courageous and sorely needed in these times!
Fabulous conversation! Thanks a million and please do this again!
What I find most valuable about Sowell is that he lived his life well. He doesn't seem concerned with accolades of men, but instead lived out, consistently, what he studied, considered, and discerned to be true about life. He is successful in all the best ways and he will get to the end of his life have no (or few) regrets. What an amazing life. Never underestimate consistent hard work, honesty, and humility.
He had no intellect.
Just a necessarily dumb front man for some very sick stuff.
Loved the episode but not long enough!!!!
Love your content, thank you gentlemen for everything you do in the name of intellectual content.
All the way from the UK, absolutely love your content chaps, it keeps me sane.
I wish you gathering again and finished this conversation about Sowell's books and thoughts. What a wonderful conversation so much things to share in a short time.
Please (PLEASE!) have a PART 2 to this video!!!!
Glenn and John, Thomas Sowell is still alive. Perhaps you should interview *him* rather than his biographer! I loved this episode though.
Economics - an explanation as to why there's nothing free lunch. Beautiful descriptor due to it's simplicity. That's fantastic.
Basic Economics changed my life! I just bought a T-shirt with Sowell's picture on it!
which shirt did you get? I was looking at a few a while back.
I first became aware of Thomas Sowell in the 1980s through his newspaper column which I would read from time to time. He never quite convinced me but he did earn my respect and most important, I thought it was very healthy for his voice to be out there. It is sad that he was ostracized because even if you didn't agree with him, he made you a better thinker.
Just bought your book Jason. You all are great! Enjoyed your conversation.
Parts 2 & 3 needed!! Excellent conversation!
PhDs are bench researchers, focusing on a few concentrated areas. The minutiae of their work functions as a link in a bigger chain. Understanding can be lost on the average person and they can’t see the forrest for the trees. Thomas Sowell’s writing brings practicality to economics. He’s more like an MD of economics, bringing the understanding of the research directly to the people, making it relevant and applicable to their everyday lives.
No he reduces everything to silly Forrest Gump style banality.
He is rubbish 🗑!
Please share what is Thomas Sowell's intellectual contribution to economics.
Then share what Economics Department gave him tenure because of his contribution.
@@RK-um9tu The point of my response is that he is not a bench researcher in economics. He takes the works of Hayek, Friedman, Stigler, and other notables and condenses it, simplifies it,and makes free market principles understandable and practical to everyday citizens through his literary works. He’s more of a economic historian and sociologist, if there is such a thing. He was a Professor of Economics at UCLA on the tenure track, but went a different direction where he felt he would have more impact with the Hoover Institution. And yes I know the Hoover Institution is heavily supported by conservative groups like the Sarah Scaife Foundation with a mission to advance the conservative agenda in academia. He fell in at the right place at the right time. Can’t blame him.
@@marcrankin1707 That is a RIDICULOUS post.
Sowell is a populist newspaper columnist who is a fake academic.
He simply uses economics and history as a loose base to promote his social theories which are rooted around blaq people can exist independent of their circumstances
After 3 minutes of talking about anything he will always revert to this.
Sowell is a puppet whose output reflects the views of the whytes and zionists who write his stuff.
This is why racists love him.
@@ondolite3789 I don’t think the University of Chicago would confer a PhD to a fake academic. The problem with Ad hominem attacks and attempts to impugn one’s motives are they often go unsubstantiated. You should read his book “Conflict of Visions”. He presents the philosophy of both sides of the political spectrum supported by evidence, his personal preference is not mentioned.
I don’t believe blacks are a monolithic group that can’t live outside of their circumstances. If you believe blacks are a permanently protected group, where does that notion eventually lead? And when judging the prevailing circumstances of a group you always have to ask yourself, “compared to what?” If things are so bad for blacks here in America, which group in the black diaspora has it better? Point me to the county where you would rather live than in America and make your case.
Sooo good. All three of you are doing a fine job of carrying on Tom’s tradition, standing on his shoulders and taking us to newer heights.
11:29 As Sowell would say, there are always tradeoffs.
Thomas Sowell's personal RUclips channel has nearly a half million subscribers, not even taking into account the Hoover Institute channel...
I'm glad I found your channel now too.
Many people know what to think. Listening to Thomas Sowell and the late great Walter E Williams taught me how to think. They met because they came to the same conclusion independently of each other.
The Sowell method is to ask At what cost? Compared to what? What hard evidence do you have? Which has lead him to say “It doesn’t matter how intelligent you are if you don’t stop and think.”
I do appreciate Glen opinion as an economist. His questions enriched this argument from an insider.
John is gracious in this discussion.
Thomas Sowell is criminally underrated. Great discussion guys!
Sowell should get a Nobel Prize for opening the eyes of millions of people around the world to the stupidity of government policies and decisions. That alone has had more impact than any intellectual paper that most cannot understand.
Thank you for what you are doing for us - all of us!
I feel like the "the black guys" will never read these comments, but I just signed in to google under a pseudonym to say I have really enjoyed you guys since discovering you! John, your thick skin is a unique and with everything there is a "balcony and basement" and those of us who can be over-sensitive think you are a treasure. Glenn, you being vulnerable about being outside the in-crowd is also much appreciated. I hope you find your way back to God, and I completely understand the intellectual struggle with faith. I was in church Wednesday night and we were applying the "logical" conclusion to Romans 12 RE the life we are to lead as a conclusion to the Gospel, which lacks logic entirely! Blessings to you both, plus Tom and Jason!
Thanks, Jen Kinsey. (Your comment has been read!)
Great conversation. Sowell's ability to articulate more conservative perspectives is incredible. I can't get any of my leftist friends to even listen to the audio segments available on youtube; they're all completely convinced of their own ideas that any challenge to them is a waste of time.
I enjoy listening to Thomas Sowell speak. He makes you think that whatever he said was so obvious, you should have known it already.
The Hayekian vs Keynesian tension evident in Loury's pushback. Loury has the unconstrained vision expressed in his faith in mathematical models and Sowell's work is cutting against this illusion.
Wow, what a spectacular tour. We definitely needed another hour. I hope to see you gentlemen together again in the future. But, as it stands, bravo guys. Sincerely. 👍👌
Thomas sowell should be known by everyone.. i am white and have never understood how black people dont understand he is just as important as MLK .. he is a living genius. a gift to humans...
Dr.Thomas Sowell put the interest of making society better informed, then doing things that made him acceptable to the so call informed. God Bless Dr. Sowell.
Thank you gentlemen for having this discussion of Thomas Sowell's work and also on the issues on the nature of the political/intellectual discourse in America.
Tom has short straight answers that normal people can understand! And he never wavers on his views! And he doesn’t Gaslight! It’s refreshing!!
Thomas Sowell’s Economics was my bridge to Hayek and Mises into Austrian Economics
Amazing discussion!! Please do a part II !!
Thomas Sowell affected my own life very deeply, and I think for the better: Sowell's "Basic Economics" ignited a passion for economic science that still burns today and led to my pursuing a PhD in economics.
There’s obviously so much more to discuss. 👍🏼👍🏼 Part 2 and beyond please…
Wow! What a lively discussion! This is good stuff.
Thanks!
One of the best RUclips videos ever!
Humans like Dr. Sowell should not age, we need them forever, thank God we still have him.
Please do a part 2 on Sowell. So much more to cover. Please consider it. Many such requests below. Thanks for the great discussion.
Have the book and can’t wait to read it! Amazing subject by a well spoken author. Perfect coupling in my humble opinion.
Thomas Sowell is the best American intellectual I have ever read, bar none.
I am glad this conversation is taking place during his lifetime.
Commenting before I even get to listen to anything! They are still in intros. I am so excited to listen to these three men!
Wow! This conversation blew my mind. Fantastic discourse.
When I was in college I studied Business Administration and my first year curriculum included macro and micro economics. The textbook we used was authored by Paul Samuelson. When I became a junior I had to take another econ class and the book was titled "The Economic Way of Thinking". It was very clear, very concise and avoided for the most part all the charts and graphs of Samuelson's book. It started off with a chapter called "Substitutes, Substitutes, Substitutes". There's virtually nothing that is indispensable. It showed how to organize your life using economic principles. It was excellent.