I have recently written biographic information of Thomas Sowell (and you should know who he is already!) so I will skip it here.
"Intellectuals and Society" is a critical examination of the influence intellectuals have on public policy and society at large. First published in 2009, the book delves into the role of intellectuals in shaping societal norms, policies, and outcomes, often without having to bear the consequences of their advocated positions. Sowell defines intellectuals not merely by their intelligence or education but as individuals whose work begins and ends with ideas, and who occupy a significant place in influencing culture and politics through those ideas.
Sowell scrutinizes the ways in which intellectuals, whom he describes as often disconnected from practical realities, impact various aspects of society—including economics, law, and social policy. He argues that there is a marked disconnect between the idealistic visions proposed by many intellectuals and the practical implications of implementing such visions. Sowell is particularly critical of intellectuals who venture outside their areas of expertise to make pronouncements on matters affecting society, doing so with what he perceives as a lack of accountability.
The book is structured around the premise that many of the failures in policy and societal outcomes can be traced back to the uninformed or misinformed interventions of intellectuals. Sowell examines historical and contemporary examples to illustrate how intellectuals' influence has led to unintended consequences, often detrimental to the very groups they aim to help. He also explores the dynamics of intellectual dissent and the ways in which dissenting voices within the intellectual community are marginalized.
I highly recommend this book and all that Sowell writes. It is so refreshing to read an absolutely scathing critique of intellectuals which are oftentimes the enemy of mankind. This is not an overstatement but the truth and it is great to see the contempt Sowell has for these people backed by rigorous argumentation.
"Black Rednecks and White Liberals" is a collection of essays by Thomas Sowell. Through these essays, Sowell offers a provocative analysis of cultural and ethnic issues, challenging conventional wisdom and exploring the roots and impacts of racial and cultural perceptions in the United States and beyond.
Black Rednecks and White Liberals: Sowell argues that the counterproductive behaviors associated with contemporary African American culture were inherited from the white Southern rednecks of the Antebellum South. He suggests that these behaviors were not inherent in African culture but were adopted from the Southern whites and have been mistakenly romanticized and preserved by both black and white liberals. Further, Sowell argues that these Southern redneck traits themselves come from the regions of the British Isles which settled in the south of the US (largely the Scots-Irish and others on the fringes of English society). There is definitely some irony in this thesis.
Are Jews Generic?: This essay explores the patterns of persecution faced by Jews in various countries and times, comparing them to similar patterns faced by other "middleman minorities" such as the Chinese in Southeast Asia, and how these groups have often been targeted for their economic success.
The Real History of Slavery: Sowell examines the global history of slavery, emphasizing that it was not an institution unique to the Western Hemisphere or to white Europeans and Americans. He discusses the widespread practice of slavery across different continents and cultures, including Africa and the Islamic world.
Germans and History: The essay delves into the historical development of Germany from a collection of feudal states into a nation known for its militarism and efficiency. Sowell analyzes how these characteristics influenced both German society and its interactions with neighboring countries.
Black Education: Achievements, Myths, and Tragedies: Here, Sowell looks at the historical education achievements of African Americans, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, debunking myths about racial determinism in intelligence and achievement.
History versus Visions: The closing essay contrasts the empirical study of history with the vision-driven approach of intellectuals and politicians, arguing that the latter often ignores historical realities in favor of ideologically driven narratives.
"Black Rednecks and White Liberals" is a challenging and insightful book that encourages readers to reconsider widely held beliefs about culture, race, and history. Sowell's arguments are built on a foundation of extensive research and historical data, presenting a perspective that is often at odds with mainstream academic and media narratives.
One of the book's strengths is its broad scope, drawing comparisons across different cultures and historical periods to illustrate the universality of certain social and economic patterns. Sowell's writing is clear and direct, making complex ideas accessible to a general audience. It is convincing unless you are ideologically committed to not understanding these things. This book can also be highly recommended.