The vision of the anointed - with Thomas Sowell (1995) | THINK TANK

Original air date: October 12, 1995
Think Tank converses one-on-one with author Thomas Sowell about his new book, The Vision of the Anointed, which argues that the assumptions and beliefs of America’s liberal elite have created thirty years of disaster.
Host:
Ben Wattenberg - senior fellow, American Enterprise Institute
Panelists:
Thomas Sowell - The Hoover Institution
"Think Tank with Ben Wattenberg" was a discussion program that aired on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) from 1994 to 2009, hosted by AEI Senior Fellow Ben Wattenberg. AEI offers uncut episodes of "Think Tank with Ben Wattenberg" as an academic resource that shows how American political thought has evolved on some issues and stayed the same on others.
"Think Tank with Ben Wattenberg" is licensed to AEI by Grace Creek Media, the successor of New River Media and BJW, Inc. "Think Tank with Ben Wattenberg" © Grace Creek Media
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[@nanaagyemang2699]

I am a young black man raising two boys. I have in my possession all of Dr Sowell's books. They will read these books & be filled with wisdom. Knowledge is power

[@julianblake8385]

Amazing! Keep on fighting the good fight and on feeding your mind with great ideas. Your country and your people need them more than ever.

[@duckvenom]

Young minds meld differently. Sowell's books are gold class intelligence, i think in the social networking young mind you need these arguments to 'tropes' so they can watch the faces of those who attack common sense. It's the gestures by overconfident central authoritarians that offer youth a peak beyond the veil. They need your guidance Sir. Navigate them as if our society depends on you.

[@hunterstorm2301]

@Waylon Mitchell may I propose a question? Im just wondering if I can gain some perspective about the native American people of today.

[@daegueric]

Glad to see this.

[@sneakthieve]

My man! Keep after it! I hope you and your family stay blessed

[@Saratogan]

Thomas Sowell just turned 90 (in 2020) and he still is working. He has a new book on charter schools. He is a national treasure.

[@lawrencerobinson2350]

Finished the book about a month ago.... great book

[@yourebrainwashed9129]

They don't make men in general like him anymore. Men 60, 70, 80+ are just a different breed.

[@abbasgareeb4394]

@@lawrencerobinson2350 ....... ... . Kmm mmmmm .., milk... I om m

[@matthewasher9819]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5mcemhsf5iZarM

[@anwjuice]

Real American Hero

[@yortsemloh1156]

Imagine how much better off blacks would be if they listened to him instead of Al Sharpton.

[@oldwrench4213]

Your statement only reinforces Dr King's statement on content of character.

[@acajudi100]

Listen to God...Everyone and obey.

[@yortsemloh1156]

@Anne O'Nymous I am fully aware that whites also live in poverty. You missed the point of that comment completely.

[@obiyanko2019]

You assume rather foolishly that those who don't listen to Sowell "listen to Al Sharpton. " That is the typical insolence you portray to the audience you speak so dismissively about. Perhaps it is that arrogance and lack of empathy that make "the Al Sharpton people". not hear him?

[@yortsemloh1156]

@@obiyanko2019 It’s gonna take a lot more than empathy from white people to fix black issues. Maybe stop looking to us to solve all your issues and finally take some responsibility.

[@ElmegMJC]

"The schools taking over indoctrination of other people's children behind their back and against their protest" -Dr. Thomas Sowell in 1995. 2022, 27 years later and this couldn't be more true. Respect for the GOAT.

[@brandom1953]

Thank you for pointing this out, now I don't feel like I have to.

[@jeffdkillman]

"People have been running their lives for thousands of years, they don't need me to tell them what to do." This is what separates Sowell from the 'anointed'.

[@Kunfucious577]

His liberal brain cant compute such insanity.

[@juanitadudley4788]

He talks about intellectuals, elites, and the anointed. He may be an intellectual (and I bet takes on that title begrudgingly), but he is NOT an elite or one of the anointed.

[@xv12commander]

Precisely. And that's what would cause the explosion of a liberal head...

[@SolarPlayer]

That was so powerful!

[@jellyroll5247]

Sowell is a national treasure. Common sense overload.

[@seanmagill1463]

Listening to this in 2021 Thomas is like a prophet predicting the social decline in society from the 60's with brackdown of the family unit and education

[@paweltrain3828]

I don't think prophet is a good word, I think of him as a mathematician who simply can read and interpret an equation describing our society and is able to tell you how it will evolve with respect to given argument (time)

[@creddesignmatters6855]

@@paweltrain3828 Totally agree - sometimes I get the feeling that the good Doctor is thinking ‘this is not a mystery - just look up the facts’…

[@sv3931]

@@creddesignmatters6855 He is dedicated to _hard research._ It is this that informs his philosophy.

[@anthonyrodriguez3012]

When he said he was part of LBJ administration I knew where this interview was going. LBJ was not friend to blacks. Just pretend to care.

[@harrysgarden9285]

100% true

[@cch312]

"They are adults like you and me! They have been doing it for thousands of years! They don't need the anointed to run their lives!" Freedom Fighter!!! Thomas Sowell!!!

[@poloshirtsamurai]

@@notouchy Because the anointed are expert in misdirection.

[@isayusayweallcansay]

The Government Gods. The Cult of Government Gods.

[@davidmeloche3563]

The interviewer just couldn't comprehend not having someone tell him what to do.

[@icu4life240]

Fast forward till this very day they don't want or like free thinkers.

[@masterofnone8400]

I'm Irish, found Mr. Sowell last year and have read 7 of his books, teaching everything to my teenage son. Thank you Thomas sowell.

[@4x4fronsc]

being Irish and knowing what the Uk did to the Irish people, do you see any similarities between white liberals and african americans?

[@godssara6758]

@@NullParadigm you nailed that!!

[@davemartino5997]

@@NullParadigm yep

[@robertrattray1890]

Where should I start with mr Sowell’s books? Thanks.

[@deeanahwinders1938]

Which do you recommend? There are so many

[@sjent]

Thomas Sowell is one of those great men there is never enough of.

[@chernobylcoleslaw6698]

Yep. So happy this came.

[@RM-fs8ub]

Here today due to all the unraveling all around. Am I alone?

[@sykoticmusic7317]

*are

[@TheBalterok]

He really is. And interesting thing that the ideas he bring forth are not that difficult to grasp for an average man. Our society has really become too stupid if there are scores of people that try to argue against these or continue to preach nonsense that Tomas Sowell dismantled time and again.

[@myla6135]

@@RM-fs8ub No, you are not.

[@JustT0m752]

I wish Sowell would be required reading in every American school.

[@dogfacedponysoldier1692]

Buy one, read it, then donate it to the local Library

[@danielmatuska795]

Verily, and add Walter Williams. Those two are a tour de force.

[@jvm-tv]

That's an annointed mentality.

[@cynthiabeckenbaugh5189]

Require it in your home.

[@JustT0m752]

@@cynthiabeckenbaugh5189 okay, as LONG as the garbage books on critical race theory are not taught in schools.

[@Ultra_Light_Beam]

Man, the last five minutes is fascinating. Ben has a hard time imagining people living their own lives independent of social directors.

[@tem73]

Right! I'm sitting here like How can people dislike other people for wanting to make their own decisions or want to be an independent? It sad and is very much what is going on today with most liberals.

[@Angel-HC]

I don't know much about Ben's personal views, but my impression was more that he was playing devil's advocate in this moment to encourage Sowell to drive the next point home.

[@brianensign7638]

@@Angel-HC Thank you! There’s too much unfair criticism of Ben over this interview. It’s his job as an interviewer to be somewhat stubborn in his questions. His question about who people should vote for is a fair one; Sowell declined to answer because he saw it as a distraction from the more pressing question of how much self-control you’re going to cede to others.

[@tatt4music]

@@brianensign7638 Back then interviewers didn’t usually share opinions. They would just play the opposite roll of the guest. That’s in order to bring out what the guest is trying to say. Nowadays, most interviewers push their argument instead. It’s a shame we are so use to that awful approach now.

[@louisfriend7388]

Exactly. I have seen this time and again. Principals and teachers are the worst for this. The idea that parents can make decisions on what is best is completely foreign to them. When I say well arent working class parents in our town choosing low cost private schools to get their kids a better education an example of this… they buckle up.

[@lamf0422]

The bit where Sowell talks about everyone getting college degrees is so incredibly on point. There was a massive push to get a degree to get a decent job. Now, the bachelor’s degree is like the new High School Diploma.

[@icu4life240]

That only equates to not wanting competition. I'd rather my doctor to have a degree to practice rather than a trade school certificate.

[@lamf0422]

@@icu4life240 Of course we want doctors to have degrees. The point isn’t that highly specialized trades shouldn’t have proper education or training, but that college as a general rule for everyone just equates it to the new high school education.

[@twoshea749]

BA since the eighties is way worse than a hs diploma in the 50’s -and you have critical theory indoctrination to boot!

[@paulfrancis4227]

Exactly. and the work required for a high school degree (varies, of course) is almost nil. In some cases, it is so close to nil one may be excused for seeing nothing.

[@ad6417]

My niece has a degree in marine biology and works at a micro brewery.

[@logocentric9183]

Thomas Sowell, refusing to become himself anointed, standing by his principles. The end of this interview made my respect for Thomas Sowell skyrocket.

[@MakingVidsBreh]

The interviewers questioning at the end about who should we vote for (what should be the solution) demonstrate that he missed the point of Sowell's book entirely.

[@svenm7264]

So much yes

[@svenm7264]

@@MakingVidsBreh Perhaps it was a test. If so, Sowell certainly passed.

[@MakingVidsBreh]

@@svenm7264 Good point. Didn't think of that.

[@adsones]

Damn right!

[@lazur1]

I enjoy his Hoover interviews, but the pushback here brings out the best of Sowell.

[@therealjasonc1243]

Im Yu Completely Agree !

[@seanmoore9713]

@Vincent Cuttolo Robinson is good at getting people to talk about the topic they already want to talk about. This video felt like more of a debate.

[@catamenia8485]

@Liberty AboveAllElse everybody is wrong but you mate, yeah? you watch this man but you learn nothing, that is a damn shame my friend

[@timekakuru8947]

@Liberty AboveAllElse why would you call his life worthless just because he believed differently from you?

[@RickyJr46]

I've seen many interviews of Thomas Sowell and appreciated every one of them. From each there's come fresh insights and new understanding. It's always a pleasure to hear his wisdom.

[@DavidJ-iz8wl]

Lol I love how Ben Wattenburg is defending something he took a part in and Sowell says “oh I think it was a tragedy of the first magnitude” 😂😂 kills me

[@Hexadeci]

I liked “Come on, Johnson wasn’t a usual suspect”… Sowell says, “Ok, the PRIMARY SUSPECT.” Mic drop.

[@user-sr8dl7qv3s]

“Disagreements can often be productive. Misunderstandings seldom are.” -Sowell

[@drake7856]

This aged well, interesting how human nature doesn’t change. We will be debating the same issues in 2040

[@bserg24]

And beyond...😞

[@1911beauty]

And it will cost us hundreds of billions of dollars and solve no problems. As a matter of fact it likely create more.

[@onastick2411]

@Vincent Cuttolo I agree, the task of the interviewer is to probe the assertions of the interviewee. I thought he did this very well, picking up on, and probing points he wanted clarified. Modern interviewers, more interested in talking over, and virtual signalling, to promote their own agenda, take note.

[@conchitavegan6948]

Vincent Cuttolo I didn’t expect him to slobber over him at all, that would be ridiculous and unprofessional. What I didn’t like was that he used socialist tactics which are to put words in other people’s mouths and force an issue even after the person has clearly said “no, I didn’t say that”. It’s manipulation. If he’s converted, good, his choice, perhaps he’ll stop “forcing” his ideas on others instead of sharing and leaving it to free choice.

[@elitebeing21]

We as humans must get the idea out our heads that someone else should be making decisions for us on a personal level.

[@blustamove]

It’s mind blowing how easy it is to understand “actual” intellectuals like Thomas Sowell, contrasted with how difficult it is to understand these egotistical, pompous “professors” who aren’t interested in actual teaching, but rather having people view them as “intellectual”. It’s a distinct difference!

[@forlaw3625]

That's the best & truest statement I've heard in a long time. As an example, listen to Rick Wilson speak. He's an idiot who tries to impress. He's also the idiot who called Trump supporters a bunch of "boomer roobs".

[@amorfati4927]

Yes. I always love listening to Uncommon Knowledge with a Peter Robinson because he’ll ask Thomas Sowell a question. He gets like a one sentence answer. Then Tom can tell he wants more so he goes on afterwards. It’s even better I can think of a few times when Peter reads a passage and doesn’t even ask a question because it needs no extra words.

[@tonycatman]

That's the difference between being confident in your abilities, and feeling you need to convince others of your smarts. Also, it helps that Sowell has the integrity to follow the facts no matter where they lead. Anyone who argues with him is arguing with the facts.

[@Hearth123]

I don't remember who said it but the best intellectuals write assuming their readers know nothing about the topic, but are far from stupid. I think Sowell's books are written that way

[@cordsman]

This is very true.

[@xealit]

It is brilliant how the Host, Ben Wattenberg, asks Thomas in the question before the last one "is there a common root to all these fallacies of the anointed?" - Thomas replies that "it is the idea that common people cannot be trusted to run their own lives". And the last question is basically a _demonstration_ of exactly this difference between Ben and Thomas! Ben says "who should they (the commoners) listen to instead of the anointed?" and Thomas defends the position that "they are adults just like you and me, they don't need me to tell them how to live their lives". XD Absolutely fantastic!

[@jameskozy7254]

Ben worked for the Johnson administration. He doesn't want to accept that HE is at fault. If he does, his whole self image(anointed) crumbles.

[@Gillagang]

My mother is 73 yo, marched in civil rights movement and was a union delegate for decades. I just introduced her to Sowell in 2021 😲. I pray he continues drop jewels on the world🇺🇸

[@alexkay8837]

What an absolute icon. I've read everything I can get my hands on and even wrote to the Professor last year. He sent me back a signed copy of his latest book. A true gentleman and Yoda of economics and social policy. Should have been the first black president of the United States for sure.

[@highfidelity1994music]

I've been wanting to write to him and tell him how impactful his work has been on me - amazing that he sent you a signed copy!

[@bones23jones]

Awesome! I'm looking to do the same. Could you help me with the address? I'm not sure where to send the book for signing? Thanks.

[@zesawyer1449]

How do I get a signed copy for his book?

[@dopeboyvid8988]

Yeah, what’s his contact? I would like to get a book signed as well. The Hoover Institute?

[@thaddeuscheeleyjr.369]

Be thankful that he's wise enough to reject such a position. He knows well enough that the weight of it would drive him mad or worse: force him to turn on his beliefs.

[@RADIUMGLASS]

Not only is he intelligent but he ages well. He was 65 here.

[@stevengerencser8722]

Black don’t crack baybee

[@RL-ut6dl]

Was Thomas Sowell ever on the Gayle King show

[@TheCruxy]

His suit is the only gray I see on him

[@paulmcknight4137]

Sowell was way ahead of his time! What he says is true today, a generation later.

[@themonsterunderyourbed9408]

The devil is immortal.

[@GenXGal]

He wasn’t ahead… the anointed never gave up… incapable of learning :(

[@paulmcknight4137]

@@GenXGal Yes. The anointed are now about to start WW3. The Brits and their American cousins still act as if the Chinese and Russians are primitive people, backward in their politics and economic progress, in dire need of American moral guidance and largesse. Well, China is now surpassing the US, spreading its wealth, expertise, and good will around the world, and the Western imperialists, still bent on colonizing the yellow and black races, are freaking out. Pelosi is a perfect example.

[@graysonharrisful]

He was not ahead of his time. There have been people saying this since time immemorial. Not to criticize your good intentions but this should be recognized.

[@themonsterunderyourbed9408]

@@graysonharrisful Correct. Not ahead of his time... But timeless.

[@pennypalmer3369]

Mr. Sowell is a rare jewel. I would like to see textbooks in the school system constructed by him. He speaks facts and that’s what needs to be taught.

[@birdlynn417]

❤💖👍👍

[@Kelso540]

This guy trying to play checkers with a Sowell playing 4D chess.

[@victorhopper6774]

@Tshepo Kotelo sowell worked in the gov for a short time and quickly learned that it is more about self preservation than problem solving

[@kadare20]

😂

[@lietaconyers3836]

Yep

[@lietaconyers3836]

I just admire him so much!!!

[@larrysmith2636]

Infinite thumbs up.

[@hasdrubal121]

Thomas Sowell, the man whose books should be on everyones bookshelf. Just a true genius gentleman

[@sirhumphreyappleby8399]

*whose

[@hasdrubal121]

@@sirhumphreyappleby8399 Autocorrect many thanks

[@hasdrubal121]

@AlbertaStrength Amazon, The Vision of the Anointed is my favourite.

[@Frankcapasso]

Even with a biased interviewer, Thomas Sowell maintained dignity and wins the day with facts.

[@SickMetalAddict]

For a biased interviewer he did his role very well to represent the views of the opposite side.

[@odiesback]

If I was to frame and hang every noteworthy quote from Dr. Sowell in this interview I would need a new house with bigger walls! - Incredible intellect and clarity!

[@gabrielcanuteson4679]

I think I just watched an intelligent conversation with fierce disagreement but no shouting. But Sowell killed it as always.

[@Mr1sammyd21]

I only found intelligence on the side of Sowell.

[@markmerchant6467]

Respect to the other dude though. He actually listened.

[@jacobblanton5179]

@@markmerchant6467 not really... He kept trying to recontextualize Sowells points uncharitably, and intentionally hung up on things he found sensational like the comments about "Liberal Elites" to dig at Sowell

[@odiesback]

@@PeterSramka I think you are missing the point... Sowell did not disagree with having more people educate but rather at which cost since we subsidize it for those with no inclination for it and further, no return provided to society from subsidized education? We will still need people with vocational expertise to provide services that are not necessarily from high education but critical to a well functional society. The notion that if we all are highly educated the same we would be better off is flawed.

[@odiesback]

@@PeterSramka I agree with you to the extent that everyone should the same opportunity to education. Regarding to the ability to pay: your very own point acknowledges the out of reach and skyrocketing tuition costs. Ironically, this came after another “good intentions” government program: federally guaranteed student loans where allowed universities to charge whatever they want for guaranteed money regardless of the well being and compromised future for those who managed to receive a degree. Another point is that we do not hand free high school diplomas. That’s the illusion of having something for nothing. Just that , an illusion. We pay dearly for it and we do not get our money’s worth these days.

[@larrypupkin]

I had to keep looking to make sure this was an interview from 1995, and not 2020. Timeless.

[@iamacreator7119]

I have much respect for Thomas Sowell. I love how he keeps pushing “think for yourself.”

[@randymilam1965]

He demonstrates 'thinking ability'

[@KpxUrz5745]

Just read through these comments! I cannot name another person who is so universally loved and admired by everyone who is fortunate enough to hear the brilliant Thomas Sowell speak his insights, understandings, and ideas. I believe that 100 or 200 years from now Sowell will still be read and admired as one of the smartest minds of our era.

[@JC-ok4yx]

It's crazy how Sowell is talking so far beyond all these well meaning media types. They don't understand their own arrogance.

[@daegueric]

Ben was a White House dude from way back and liberal from way back.

[@cecedubois5147]

That's for sure. I have deep respect for Thomas Sowell. This host seems, at times, to not even be speaking the same language.

[@JC-ok4yx]

@@PeterSramka Hey Peter, that's not what he's arguing at all. You're interjecting your own presuppositions and that's unproductive and borderline dangerous. I'm not sure if you're disingenuous or you don't realize that's what you're doing. Advocacy is good, but advocacy without the ability to see competing perspectives is ineffective. He's arguing that college in and of itself won't guarantee economic success or career advancement. When people say we are increasing "educational opportunities" they usually mean increasing funding, which doesn't have the outcome of more educated students. "The more educated US citizens become, the better the US economy will become relative to the economies of other countries. " The problem is the definition of education. I work in education and more spending doesn't equal more education. Cultural standards and expectations from family have a greater influence on students and their academics. Not only is there research to back this up, but also countless anecdotal evidence that I have from the thousands of students I work with. So you're right that students are competing with other nations, but those nations we are competing with aren't finding success through spending or the fruitless education policies and priorities academics are trying to push in the US. I have time to discuss this if you are willing to have an open mind. It's beyond important to me. I'm tired of seeing my students spend thousands of dollars to get degrees teaching them unmarketable skills to pay the salaries of ungrateful college instructors who are disconnected from reality. After they get those degrees the only thing they are capable of doing is teach at a college, thus continuing the cycle. Also I'm one of those people.

[@JC-ok4yx]

@@PeterSramka In many other countries a college degree is free for those who qualify." Name them. Specifically. Then tell me the cost per student the state pays, the salaries of administration, and the entrance requirements for those colleges. Their college experience is drastically different from ours in the US. The greatest cost of college here has nothing to do with cost of instruction but more so the services and amenities offered by colleges to compete for student enrollment. Beyond that many of those "countries" that have free college are smaller than most of our states. If they want to go to a state school, yes, it is free. However they have limited options. In the US college is a consumer driven market with a finite amount of students that universities are competing for. Students don't choose where they go based on affordability. Yes, a European model could be implemented in the US, but students would have to drastically change their expectations of what the "college experience" is. There are SO many issues related to this, for example. A community college I used to work for was $80 per credit hour in a county that is 85% under the poverty line. 90% of students received Pell Grant. After tuition, books, and fees...a student with Pell alone would get a refund of over $1,000. We were ranked as one of the best academic community colleges in the state as well. Compare that to a community college in a major city nearby that is $160 per credit hour. Literally twice the price, 5 times the enrollment, work out facilities, and 3 times the cost of attendance. Now let's compare that to a state university I worked at. They cost $300 per credit, but they require students to live on campus at least their first year. Housing alone cost more than entire tuition and fees combined. At that school if you make tuition "free" it would hardly help students because they loans they are taking out goes toward non-tuition related expenses. That's how the university got around state rules on raising tuition... How do you increase funding to fix that? Who decides who goes to the Community College, and who gets to go to the state university? Who sets the salaries? IF you give students more money to spend on where THEY choose, how do you keep colleges from raising prices so they can expand their programs? We haven't even touched issues related to curriculum and degree requirements. We have some science degrees that require 5 prerequisites before you can take the freshman intro course. And yes, I didn't exaggerate, 5 prereqs. An entire year worth of prereqs before you can start the "4-year" program. Now, I'm a huge proponent of education, but the activists and advocates who focus solely on funding don't recognize the myriad of issues and lack of accountability there it. I'm down to change the entire structure to be more like the places where college is free for everyone. You just have to know what that entails. (I'll have to watch that video, but can't get to it quite yet.)

[@JC-ok4yx]

@@PeterSramka I watched the video. It's pretty good and also reflects what I've seen with students the past 8 years. However, I think it proves my point. The programs that they talk about are most effective when they are student led and they don't need much funding. That's much more an issue of changing the culture of the institution. It shows how complicated these issues really are. I think our disagreement is I don't trust that increased funding relieves the economic strain on education. Personally I think we should reduce cost and have more student led initiatives. There's a huge disconnect between professor expectations and students. I apologize for typing to much, but like I said. I'm passionate for my students. The education lobbying groups tend to ignore the real problems in pursuit of higher pay, etc.

[@AGRANT716]

Once you've read, or listened to this man, you can never go back.

[@themonsterunderyourbed9408]

Red pill.

[@bernardshikoli6302]

True

[@kw7807]

Certainly you can-especially if he’s in error.

[@AGRANT716]

@@kw7807 I agree, however, Dr Sowell has challenged some long held beliefs. I'm no sycophant.

[@kw7807]

@@AGRANT716 neither am I. Challenging long held beliefs doesn’t mean the challenge is correct-and in my observation-he has some erroneous ideas-especially about race.

[@arranpattison5809]

We don't need to be an 'intellectual' to win an argument with an 'intellectual' but what we do need are facts and knowledge with the will to want the truth to reign free... Thomas Sowell demonstrates this in an exceptional way that anyone at least on the side of truth can easily understand... Ironically it seems only the 'anointed' and their followers can't seem to understand... Why? Because they are blinded by lies!

[@53kenner]

This is one of the few blessings of being older -- I thought Thomas Sowell was speaking the truth back before so many of his fans were even born...

[@matthewrowley813]

I was in a college class once when the teacher actually snapped and said "you know what, there are 25 people in this class and only one of you should even be in college."

[@matthewrowley813]

@Ron Garrett Bergeron I will never say which group I was in to avoid embarrassing myself lol. That was a very inspiring story btw...its always good to hear that people can learn and grow...especially in times like these.

[@jellyroll5247]

He/She wasn't lying. Years later the results are in and it doesn't look good.

[@mariussielcken]

In order to learn, you need to see that you lack particular knowledge which you would like to apply for a certain goal.

[@weaksignal8009]

Econ101. If everyone has a BS/BA it's meaningless. Value arrives from scarcity. If gold were as plentiful as gravel, it would not be so special. If not going for Medicine, Accounting, Engineering, Hard Science, don't bother.

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

@@weaksignal8009 - It’s not meaningless at all. If you have a high skill workforce, as say in Switzerland, you can add a lot of value per unit of work produced; with a low skill workforce, as in say Congo, you will have low added value to the work produced. Switzerland concentrates on high value products like banking and watches; Congo can only do low grade work, such as mining of raw materials; they don’t even have the skills to refine those ores. The trick is to produce people with a range of skill levels, for all levels of the economy.

[@elmergantry6282]

"Give my audience advice, tell them what to do" Completely misses the point that Thomas Sowell is saying that people should be free to do as they choose without interference from the anointed.

[@neruda4paz]

The interviewer tried so desperately throughout the interview to force Thomas Sowell to respond as an elitist or as one of the anointed. Despite being cut off over and over, Sowell masterfully batted away all of the interviewers attempts.

[@birdlynn417]

😄🥰🤩

[@terrytracy7772]

Thomas Sowell is the man. I wish I had come across him 40 years ago.

[@trevorshakiba1329]

Tom Sowell should be required reading for every man, woman and child in America today. A national treasure.

[@christianlibertarian5488]

Thomas Sowell in his absolute prime. Didn't recognize him at first without gray hair.

[@reaccionapuertorico]

Look for his videos with William F Buckley

[@frankbarron1907]

Along with Milton Friedman, The greatest American mind of the last 50 years. A true national treasure.

[@glendepasse7490]

Boy, is this ever relevant today. I've always said Mr. Sowell is 50 years ahead of his time. Everybody should be listening to him.

[@kennethmorgan7957]

Just about everyday I ask a black person, have you ever heard of Thomas Sowell and they usually say no. Yes I`m black........

[@tracyplantagenet9798]

Good - keep asking them! Introduce them to this giant! 👍🏼💕

[@kmaidotia]

What is Condescending in this thread? Was something deleted?

[@dogfacedponysoldier1692]

Did any of them look him up? Get any feed back?

[@susanjohnson4303]

This just happened to me when I asked the successful, but angry black attorney if he knew the works of Thomas Sowell or Walter Williams or Jason Riley or Shelby Steele.....etc. He said "you can read all the books you want, it isn't going to change anything. (subject of "racism" in a group meeting)

[@Luna-kb3sr]

Me too 😫😫😫

[@chino2037]

I’ve seen many interviewers try to think they are smarter than Dr. Sowell. He has never lost any argument. He hits you with pure facts. A national Treasure that sadly many young people don’t know about.

[@allergictostupidpeople7893]

Oh he took down BIDEN in Congress good one

[@MH-il1lk]

@@allergictostupidpeople7893 Not sure what you mean? Are you living up to your profile name?

[@wadejnelson]

Wonderful to watch this in early 2021, when the Anointed have total control. Dr. Sowell is still with us thank goodness.

[@Pareshbpatel]

I could listen to Thomas Sowell all day long. There was so much wisdom imparted in so short a time span. {2022-10-24}

[@chadelliottfahlman]

Host: goes on offense. Sowell: *chair squeaking intensifies.*

[@susanjohnson4303]

I was laughing at Sowell's chair!!!!

[@Utubesuxmycock]

Hahahaha

[@jellyroll5247]

You can see Sowell loading the cannons as the chair squeaks. Fire in the hole!!!

[@themanlymansite]

😂😂

[@jazz4asahel]

We intuitively know these things; This man voices them clearly. Who should we listen to? "We should listen first and foremost to our own experience." -- Thomas Sowell

[@eke313]

Exactly. Hand holding leads to unaccountability.

[@periechontology]

Voices them clearly and backs it up with data.

[@hospice8896]

@@periechontology the numbers say everything

[@brandom1953]

Everything said here is as relevant today as it was then. The frightening part is that 30 years later and we still have the same problems.

[@josephbrolly7232]

More relevant now than ever. The so called experts and anointed have become even more brazen and self congratulatory. Thank you Mr Thomas Sowell. A scholar and a gentleman.

[@birdlynn417]

🤩

[@usmc1992usmc]

Jesus christ this guy is so smart, and simultaneously so down to earth and relatable- it’s insane. Thomas Sowell is the greatest intellectual I know of.

[@mikeorclem]

there are some tom's audio books on here for free

[@mrniceguy7168]

Lyndon Johnson was not a usual suspect, Tom! Well, he was the primary suspect!

[@mrniceguy7168]

cardman162004 Well he did tell Sowell he worked for LBJ to make clear his bias.

[@paronymiusparonymius4468]

@cardman162004 Dr. S. nailed him alright!

[@markmiller3713]

Johnson was a total fraud and crook.

[@mrniceguy7168]

The Life Analyst well damn, you’ve probably forgotten more than I have seen

[@jellyroll5247]

LBJ hated blacks and minorities. The great society was concieved to reward people for failure. The more they fail the more welfare you get. This program is still succeeding today. It's a trap to keep you dependent.

[@timmckee8287]

Thomas Sowell in this interview could very well have been speaking today. The anointed still are doing what he describes.

[@Clairsmith123]

THIS IS EPIC!!!! AND SOOOO APPLICABLE TO TODAY! 25 YEARS LATER!! LOVE DR SOWELL 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jameszeveney7148]

Wow! Tough interview. I wish we had journalism like that today. Shame on the New York Times, the Washington Post, CNN, MSNBC and the like.

[@nevyntanis2665]

Wattenberg came to a gun fight armed with a toothpick.

[@ingevankeirsbilck9601]

But I'm not sure he realizes 😁

[@lialaie2214]

Hahahaha

[@mrmoofle]

Funny analogy, being that Sowell was a Marine Corps pistol instructor.

[@TweakRacer]

Wattenberg came to a gun fight armed with a Wattergun.

[@DieFlabbergast]

That's unfair. The interviewer had a job to do, and he did it. His questions were reasonable, and Dr. Sowell answered them well. What do you want? That the interviewer should just fawn on Sowell and feed him softball questions? That would have been in nobody's interest.

[@eileenmacdougall8945]

I love how Mr. Sowell doesn't let his words be misunderstood. Great man he is, for one because he focuses on truth, and shares it with us.

[@DyslexicLemonz]

Jordan Peterson is that way. His focus is specific and purposeful. It must be a trait of genuis

[@YourBestFriendforToday]

Glad they were able to use my grandmas living room for this interview

[@isaksmith3712]

It is so powerful to see a free-thinking individual stand up to such a deceptive and misperceived ideology.

[@Mr-ep2qi]

“We’ll be like the man who gained the whole world and lost his soul” wow

[@Individual_Lives_Matter]

That’s where we’ve been for a few years now.

[@anthonymannetta5311]

Thomas Sowell is the most intellectually honest man in the usa . And as decent a person as conceivably possible.

[@JT-bq5ov]

God gave this man a mind and he didn't waste it. Honorable.

[@myahkgatsby7578]

"Tell them who to listen to Thomas! Tell them what to do!!!!!" Somehow the guy missed the whole point Dr. Thomas Sowell was making.

[@nonyabiznizz]

I don't think he missed the point. I think he was subtly trying to bait him into looking like a hypocrite.

[@AngelinaKaul]

I absolutely love this interview of Dr. Sowell. He perfectly stands up for his principles backing his arguments with solid research. Even when the interviewer tried to twist his words around, Dr. Sowell corrected him and brought the conversation right back to his points. This is debating at it's best. Love it!❤

[@richardhallman9237]

Thank you Dr. Sowell for your sharing of this vital information. I pray every day that we will wake up and soon, very soon or we will not have a country

[@joliver1267]

Tom Sowell is one of the most brilliant Americans I know who thinks and researches with clarity and sobriety. He engages arguments with courage and kindness. He is truly a national treasure.

[@DarinPirkey]

When difference of opinion was actually a pleasant conversation to listen to.

[@leah1945]

and your point? a non-issue...

[@DarinPirkey]

@@leah1945 thank you for your comment. my point is that many people who disagree with each other simply try and talk over one another and no one is allotted the opportunity to actually make a point. I liked the debate because it was civil. not just angry people shouting at one another. The opposite is an issue for me. I dont enjoy listening to people argue by just shouting over one another.

[@paronymiusparonymius4468]

I pity myself for finding this man so late in my age! But, better late than never. Every word that he utters is a nuclear bomb!

[@dogfacedponysoldier1692]

Check out Dr. Walter E Williams too, the "E" is for Excellence"

[@nellynell5021]

I thank KZbin for showing Thomas Sowell material on my feed in 2020 (had no knowledge of him prior) .....it’s been a blessing to my life! He needs more exposure to us minorities....

[@XeninaCalifornia]

He's right now as he always was!! The most brilliant economist that we have!

[@p.g.mcfinnigan4009]

My favorite part was when he said (paraphrased) "I worked under Hoover, I know about the percent of people affected by these subsidies, and they've bounced around the same percent," then Sowell said (also paraphrased) "That wasn't what they themselves said their goal was; they just made up a new goal and said they met it." And the dude just scratched his head and immediately moved on without comment hahah

[@cynthiagelmirez3738]

I am so thankful for Dr. Sowell. What a blessing he is to the world.🙏🏾😇❤️

[@rodtydeman1653]

Excellent. Everyone should listen to Sowell...it's so important today especially.

[@SonoftheWest316]

Thomas Sowell is that rare type of man so principled and intellectually honest. This is the kind of person that warrants statues built in his honor.

[@jeffmusyoka1876]

This interviewer was taking statistics and forcing them into the timeline that helps the narrative. I like how Sowell was destroying every single talking point

[@allergictostupidpeople7893]

Sowell described the communist manifesto to a T

[@chrisyo4461]

Man to think: this interview took place in 1995. Fast forward 25 years later, this man is still mostly unknown but mostly everyone knows unless movie stars

[@devandenbos]

I am continually amazed of the depth of this man, each time I listen to him. Aired 26 years ago and just as relevant today, filled with timeless knowledge and wisdom.

[@AkiraNakamoto]

Dr. Sowell predicted what is wrong today: the media elites, the academic elites and the political elites. What a prophet.

[@rapturestudios3179]

Sometimes I feel there is not enough time in the world to hear what this man has to say. Every single sentence is a thoroughly considered, deeply researched and nuanced perspective. If only there were a few more Sowells in the world. Always something to learn from this legend.

[@MarkWrightPsuedo]

I'm currently reading Basic Economics, and Vision of the Anointed was a brilliant book! I never tire of listening to the great man himself.

[@denverbrown8904]

What I find most fascinating, in this particular clip, is Dr. Sowell's explanation that people will readily accept propositions without evidence if/when those propositions fit their vision of reality. An incredible insight regarding human propensities in my opinion.

[@xylembotany9990]

THE INTERVIEWER JUST CAN'T GRASP A CONCEPT

[@johnbedell2376]

That former LBJ staffer was so outclassed by Mr. Sowell!

[@josephbrabander9124]

They are so convinced of their "goodness" by their do-gooder mentality that it never occurs to them that they could be wrong.

[@weaksignal8009]

Hmm, LBJ went from filibuster civil rights to a compromise... free stuff, just don't work, and don't allow these children to have a father.

[@PerfectTangent]

Watching old footage like this demonstrates perfectly that what is going on today has been festering for much longer than many believe.

[@victorhopper6774]

plymouth rock at least

[@syndicoftitan8306]

Ben Wattenburg: "But who will rule these people's lives without the anointed?" Sowell: "Nobody, and that's the point!" That interaction was proof positive of Sowell's thesis.

[@michaelgrzybowski6149]

This man is one of the most intelligent people I have come across while trying to find credible, factual and logical answers to the major problems our country is and has been facing for decades. He backs everything up with facts,pure and simple. Sad he is not invited to speak on more media outlets. I guess if you are not part of their agenda, you will not be offered a platform on their stage!

[@danny6247]

Hand outs do not create opportunity, it makes people less likely to want to work

[@peaceseeker9927]

First, tell us what a "hand out" is, and then show some proof (specific real examples) that those handouts make people less likely to work.

[@danny6247]

@@peaceseeker9927 I wouldnt waste my time.

[@peaceseeker9927]

@@danny6247 - Just as I thought. You were parroting what you heard or read without any understanding or ability to explain. Thanks.

[@danny6247]

@@peaceseeker9927 as I said, waste of time.

[@maxwell2231]

@@peaceseeker9927 public housing projects create violent neighborhoods full of uneducated, unmotivated people, making everything worse for everyone including the people it was supposedly trying to help

[@j.hmarvelous2231]

The great Thomas Sowell check-mated the host so many times. The host faces when he knew he got check-mate. 💯💯 💪🏽

[@dallasmore6703]

The mans not just working, he's sharp as a tack! Love Dr. Sowell!

[@erikpaterson1404]

I only recently discovered Thomas Sowell, I’ve learned more from him in a short few months than I have from Noam Chomsky who I’ve been reading for 15 years.

[@gorkyd7912]

Real intellectual vs. fake intellectual, there's a massive difference.

[@samueladams7102]

17:45 "I would say the fall in the garden" Brilliant jab lol

[@caliconservative20]

Freedom is a concept this moderator doesn't seem to get. I love T. Sowell's mind.

[@eke313]

Agreed, 💯. He just doesn't get it. Yet again he partook in politics.

[@btkramer]

everything he said is perfectly applicable to today's issues as well. nothing has changed.

[@yvoncormier9762]

"You seem to act as if there must be alternate saviors. We shouldn't be looking for saviors." Thomas Sowell

[@bluegent7]

The world feels a better place just for Thomas Sowell being in it, and when he's left us for the long, peaceful sleep, he's still with us in his works. Perhaps someone will find their calling in creating awareness of them...

[@bones23jones]

bluegent7 There's a guy on Twitter who only tweets Thomas Sowell Quotes. I might begin a similar account on Twitter or another social media site.

[@noambirnbaum4010]

bluegent7 Sowell is still alive and well for an 89 year old.

[@lawrencerobinson2350]

Jason Riley has a Thomas Sowell documentary film coming out next year... nice trailer circulating currently.

[@glendepasse7490]

I will weep the day he passes, for me, his family and our country. We have an intellectual giant in our midst who's been largely ignored by the media.

[@charlessykes8989]

Sowell’s reaction at 17:02 when the interviewer tired to use “facts” 😂

[@Sidtube10]

Indeed! 😂

[@mickaelmtp2397]

I was looking for someone to point that out. He couldn't control his body language. Those eyebrows said a lot ! I think Sowell has spent so much time using "data" that every time someone missuses the word it triggers him.

[@peter7700]

Haha that was funny

[@magnolia1776]

Who is here watching this is 2021 thinking not much has changed!

[@clancyweldon]

One of the greatest minds ever!!! I especially appreciate how he is gender and race unbiased and reflects strictly on numbers and information as what they are. I strongly feel that his words and his thoughts are extremely relevant in 2021. God bless this man for he is a hero in his own art's. The art of man kind...