Jason Riley is an American journalist, commentator, and author known for his perspectives on race, politics, and economics. He was born in Buffalo, New York. and graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo with a degree in English.
Riley is currently a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank based in New York City. He is also a columnist for The Wall Street Journal, where he frequently writes about issues related to race, social policy, and economic opportunity. Additionally, he is a commentator for Fox News, providing analysis and commentary on various political and social issues.
Throughout his career, Riley has been a prominent voice challenging conventional wisdom on race and public policy. He often advocates for conservative principles such as limited government, free markets, and personal responsibility, particularly in the context of addressing socioeconomic disparities within minority communities.
Overall, Jason Riley has emerged as a prominent conservative voice in American media, offering a unique perspective on race, politics, and economics that challenges traditional assumptions and promotes alternative solutions to pressing social issues.
His latest book, "Maverick: A Biography of Thomas Sowell", is a comprehensive exploration of the life and ideas of one of the most influential intellectuals of our time, Thomas Sowell. In this meticulously researched biography, Riley delves into Sowell's upbringing, academic journey, and prolific career as an economist, social theorist, and prolific author.
Riley paints a vivid portrait of Sowell's early life, detailing his experiences growing up in Harlem and his journey from a troubled youth to a distinguished scholar. He highlights Sowell's intellectual curiosity and resilience, demonstrating how his early struggles shaped his worldview and academic pursuits.
Riley traces Sowell's journey from Marxism to conservatism, exploring the pivotal experiences and ideas that influenced his ideological transformation. Through insightful analysis and engaging storytelling, Riley provides valuable insights into Sowell's thought process and the development of his groundbreaking theories on race, economics, and public policy.
"Maverick" also offers a fascinating glimpse into Sowell's academic career, detailing his tenure at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Cornell University, and Stanford University's Hoover Institution. Riley highlights Sowell's groundbreaking research on topics such as discrimination, inequality, and cultural differences, demonstrating his profound impact on the field of economics and beyond.
Moreover, the biography sheds light on Sowell's prolific writing career, showcasing his ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner. Riley explores Sowell's influential books, including "Basic Economics," "Race and Culture," and "Intellectuals and Society," illustrating how his work has challenged conventional wisdom and sparked important debates on pressing social issues.
Overall, "Maverick" is a captivating biography that offers a comprehensive overview of Thomas Sowell's life and legacy. The book is an easy and relatively short read. I am not sure how much you will get out of this if you are aware of Sowell’s basic background but the book is nonetheless a pleasure to read.