Thomas Sowell discusses his newest book, Intellectuals and Race

This week on Uncommon Knowledge, Hoover fellow and author Thomas Sowell discusses his newest book, Intellectuals and Race, which argues that the impact of intellectuals' ideas and crusades on the larger society, both past and present, is the ultimate concern.

[@31tmdavies]

I think Thomas Sowell is brilliant. In case you're keeping score. Thomas Sowell has been invited to the Obama white house, 0 times. Al Sharpton...87 times. This was a great book.

[@psalmsurfer1]

are you kidding; BHO and Sharpton are not even worthy of this man's presence..I would hope he would outright refuse any such invitation.

[@robertisham5279]

31tmdavies 31tmdavies because Obama doesn't care about black people and has done nothing for them I don't know why liberals worship him though

[@richardpeterson9653]

Farhan Mckinnons that the nature of the left these days. They want the moral superiority of saying that they value something, without the hard work and truth of actually having to face the thing! It's why they continue to push outdated already failed approaches as progressive ideology! Examples like socialism, gun control or eugenics! They put a new name on on an old ideology and pretend it's something new as if it's good for something. But you can trace the arguments cause they only subtly change! Socialism becomes Democratic Socialism, as if agreeing with the government some how fixes that socialism doesn't have the means to address the needs of the people in a timely fashion! They blame the tool instead of the person in "gun control" which is why we now see Britain arresting people for carrying potato peeler's to their picnics. (Granted that does seem a little suspect. I usually do the preparation at home...) The eugenics is obvious when you examine the "my plantation, my prerogative" line. It really is disgusting what has happened to the black community under the thumb of the Democrat Party. Sowell makes a very compelling argument!

[@nickburns904]

@@robertisham5279 because it's easier to worship someone who tells you you're the victim rather than listen to someone's ideas about self-reliance and personal responsibility. Agree?

[@Maya_Ruinz]

"Stay away from the race hustlers" and "equip yourself with skills that people are willing to pay for" easily some of the most important advice you can give to people in this day and age.

[@thomasmrak9261]

Thomas Sowell- one of the few professional intellectuals who believes people are not helpless children and have the potential to due better.

[@mrakulus]

How's that no Internet thing going? Lol

[@thomasmrak9261]

***** Of course it won't. People do not want to see others succeed in life because they have given up on themselves if they ever tried at all. They love to see people crash and burn or fail, but someone who is winning well, that makes them feel bad about how things or, or in some cases, realize that it's too late in life for them to achieve anything. What makes Thomas Sowell amazing is he is one of the few people in Academia with the guts to call out the culture of Victimhood and those who willingly perpetuate it.

[@sole__doubt]

***** Hitchens Razor again.

[@sanniepstein1007]

A Jacobs--I read Fromm, long ago. Somehow I didn't think of him at all when listening to Sowell.

[@WilsonColter]

do*

[@samberesford6578]

"Hopelessness is one of the big products of the race industry". What an insight!

[@MorphingReality]

Uncommon knowledge is a great show, Peter doesn't get enough credit.

[@cameronscott7304]

I wish the words and wisdom of Dr. Sowell were given credence during times like these.

[@timmullens9479]

I always feel more optimistic about the human race after listening to him

[@jakkuhl6223]

Tim Mullens Me too; whenever by circumstance I have to listen to some modern liberal drivel, I often go back and just listen to Dr. Sowell again.

[@robertisham5279]

Tim Mullens and Milton Friedman

[@2WorldWar2]

This man is a genius. Hes also very calm and uses reason instead of emotion for his arguments. He never insults or yells.

[@LittleHatori]

"THERE WAS NO GANGSTA RAP." - T. Sowell His examples Hit the nail on the head. Like always.

[@eshesimua]

Equip yourself with skills the market is willing to pay for. this is something I'll repeat to myself daily

[@ehong123]

Almost 83 and still writing cogently and furiously. Prof. Sowell, wish you many more years to come. Amazing figure of our time.

[@xMaxxP4420x]

I cant get enough of this guys videos. Smartest man around and has been since the 60's and is shrugged off by the liberal mindset.

[@Chamindo7]

Thomas Sowell, should be taught in every single high school and college campus.

[@RileyFreeman8]

The man conducting this interview is the best I have ever seen

[@boxmaster5826]

I can't believe i'm just learning about this man. Thomas Sowell is a genius

[@HaHawk]

Box Master You have a lot of reading ahead of you. Sowell has many great books... Have fun!

[@nickburns904]

Each time Dr Sowell speaks it's a quotable moment.

[@danielcharles247]

Peter Robinson is a great interviewer and Dr Thomas Sowell is legend, I hope my country and America listen to him on race/economies/everything. Thanks for the upload :)

[@GibsonGuy0707]

The mainstream media will never let this man get his views across to the rest of America. He represents everything they claim is false.

[@objectivecommentator102]

I went to private schools that had affirmative actions to create “diversity”. And trust me, what Dr. Sowell said is true. Instead of integrating the students, the affirmative action segregated and divided the students. Students sit with their own groups voluntarily during lunch and seldom engaged or communicated with those outside their own circles. The “diversity” was only superficial and the schools only cared about whether the percentage of each ethic group were balanced (or politically correct) instead of whether the policy really helped and benefited minorities.

[@danpatrick24]

His words about hopelessness are profound!

[@brianthomas8531]

So much common sense and brilliance. His columns should be daily in my opinion. And while we're at it, required reading in every public school.

[@RobBronner]

Growing up in the Bronx myself. I can tell you he is 100% correct.

[@llcoolray3000]

Thomas Sowell is a national treasure.

[@concerned1956]

I think Mr. Sowell is a perfect example of where intellect can overcome a Harvard "education" ....

[@ericnolle5195]

This is, quite possibly, the most important interview of our time.

[@kennethalbert4653]

I love when Dr. Sowell chuckles at his own {prior) statements.

[@vibeveteran]

What an eye opening interview. I just ordered 3 of this guy's book. I'm sure there is a wealth of knowledge in all of them.

[@maggoli67]

People need to be taught to think.

[@maggoli67]

I mean, all he way down to the individual...myself included.

[@blessedalcuin]

Unfortunately you need to know facts before you can think clearly about the issues surrounding them. In the Sixties, college students (many of whom became teachers ten years later) started screaming, "You're teaching us what to think, not how to think." But the truth was that schools hoped to feed them a few facts before turning them loose on society where they could make dumb pronouncements without any information. Then they refused to learn any facts at all, chanting the mantra that "It doesn't matter what you know, just so long as you know where to look it up"--which ignores the fact that they don't actually look anything up. Then, to top it all off, they decided that they were so clever they could take all the knowledge accumulated in the previous five thousand years and throw it out the window and into the garbage dump. So "How to think" became "Whatever our parents believed, throw it out." And that's what we have to live with today.

[@beaver441]

Amazing man, we are all better to have him

[@houssein1675]

I aspire to be that young Thomas Sowell by equipping myself with skills that people are willing to pay for just like anybody else would, I am going to make something of myself today in the world.

[@moorecz1]

We need people like you! Please continue fighting for conservative values and common sense. Don't be afraid to call it like it is because of political correctness!

[@anotherlyric]

Thomas Sowell rocks! God Bless him!

[@dav35601]

Thomas Sowell is Brilliant! Millions of all races agree with him!

[@ikesteroma]

I like Mr. Sowell. He helps me to realize I don't have to feel bad for being white.

[@blackw369]

U don't

[@nevergiveup7502]

I love watching his interviews. . he makes no excuses and speaks the truth.

[@ramicald]

“Stay away from race hustlers and equip yourself with skills people are willing to pay for” No matter where from nor what race this is true for all

[@Erduk]

Thomas Sowell is a very intelligent man. Lots of respect for this guy.

[@thomasmrak9261]

He also backs up what he thinks, and is is willing to admit if he is wrong. He is also not afraid of hurting someone else's feelings in order to pursue the Truth. I am so tired of the Left and its "innocent" victim mentality. Bad stuff happens to people all the time. How people choose to learn from it defines them. You get a lot of power and attention by feigning ignorance and pretending to be helpless. You see this in any group which is a pet cause of the Left. Nothing is ever your fault, you don't have to learn or do anything for yourself, someone else will save you from the consequences of your actions or needing to think. Leftists want people to be poor and destitute. That makes them easier to control, and their targets are almost always groups with a history of past trauma. When you can manipulate someone emotionally, they do not think rationally. This is why the Left is so powerful- it does not appeal to logic or reason, but to animal instinct.

[@jasonhelm8760]

Thomas Sowell speaking some real truth, fantastic.

[@cosmicallyderived]

5:53 "One of the ironies that I found in going through these things in detail was..." I would pay to watch a solid documentary capturing Sowell's techniques for how he goes through such things in detail. I remember Peter exclaiming in one interview "HOW DO YOU KNOW THESE THINGS!?!" I think it would benefit future generations greatly to capture this man's research techniques and videotape one small scale investigation, or perhaps a long term one, from genesis to completion. We need to archive not just the fruits of this man's labors but the essence of his fruitfulness if even by approximation.

[@Andrew97415]

Thomas Sowell is the real deal.

[@flagshipathletics8323]

Kudos to the interviewer as well. He is well prepared for an objective discussion on the topic while maintaining neutrality on the issues for the majority of the video.

[@jeffyboyreloaded]

This guy and Milton Friedman...utter giants

[@dikgang1623]

Has anyone noticed how Dr. Sowell has a tendency of saying, "Oh my gosh"? Makes me laugh all the time.

[@davidengelhardt9252]

Shocking that people don't know about this guy

[@davo171]

Im so happy to see a new Sowell piece! Keep em coming, he's a national treasure.

[@kingdom482]

I love how genuinely honest and he is being and how strongly he truly believes in what he is saying. Not trying to prove a political point or drive an agenda. Only trying to be logical and present true facts.

[@brookeperk93]

Thomas sowell is brilliant. I love listening to him.

[@taylxnfn3218]

Dr Sowell is a national treasure period . Awesome !

[@antonchigurh203]

This Might be the most important interview I have ever seen

[@boomerthomas4309]

Thomas Sowell is awesomeness on stilts.

[@felforgedaxe9793]

I love watching conversations with these two! It is always a respectful discourse that seeks out the truth of what has happened and is happening in the world. Humanity needs more of this.

[@narendra62]

This time last week this fabulous man was unknown to me.

[@OmigretchenDeutschlandChile]

Sowell is one of the few of intellectual not being enslaved or just permanently shut down by liberals as it happened in literally any country of the world. His books (each and every one) are literally eye opening. His writing style is concise and follows the old school of exemplified argumentation. This man's brillant.

[@caseyrokkedit7814]

great discussion. Really enjoyed this. Mr. Sowell rocks

[@studyinsteel5186]

Dr. Sowell?

[@caseyrokkedit7814]

OMG, you are so right! He is a doctor. Dr. Sowell, my apologies

[@AscendingIntellect]

I am persistently ennobled by Dr. Sowell's intellect and his command of disparate knowledgebases, but his value goes far beyond that feat. He has a rare wisdom that integrates his experiential thoughts with that knowledge. This is a man in which intellectual humility has been incubated for a lifetime. God bless Dr. Sowell.

[@franlarv793]

Every passing year proves his observations true.

[@AntoineNajm]

just downloaded the book on kindle the calm tone with which the subject is treated is a delight. When you read Sowell, you thank him for keeping his tone economic and rational and being intellectually consistent. regards from Paris one of your biggest fans.

[@brandynhenry7107]

It's really heartbreaking living in a neighborhood mostly black, watching these people rooting for their destruction, and not just in a passive way, but to voice opposition against it you risk something bad happening to you if you go about it the wrong way.

[@boomerthomas4309]

Thomas Sowell is amazing.

[@peterahebert]

The fact that Thomas Sowell was not a two term president is a tragedy in American history.

[@imnobodyatall6510]

Im a white kid who grew up in a very poor area in england and i did well in school. Guess what, i got beat up, threatened and bullied. True story. Years after i talked toteacher from a well off background, and he couldn't imagine it in his school. He suffered bullying, but never for studying

[@TheBest-ff8zz]

He has the brilliance & renaissance traits of Hayek ; Economics, History, Philosophy. COMPLETE PACKAGE!!

[@232lalas]

Brilliant interview by Dr. Sowell

[@jellyfishofdeath]

You should read Dr. Sowell's "Conquest and Cultures" (1999). He addresses this point at length in this and several of his books, as well as his columns, with some fascinating examples from world cultures and supposedly "unbeatable" business franchises which eventually went under (see Sowell's "Basic Economics," which should be required reading for everybody).

[@timmychang1791]

True brilliance stands in test of time! Dr Sowell's writing will be classics and many of his literatures will be standard text books thought through out diff levels of schools and university. No on has to defend his brilliant thoughts and philosophies, it's all in his own written literature and Dr Sowell is well aware. Truth knowledge needs no mentor to teach or push on others. There's no need for that at all, truth dont attracts nor repels but it reveals to those that desires and especially to those that least expect to discern. For such, inevitably revelations awaits behind the cloudy-muddy waters only to those that dare see through it! Knowledge after all-only rises to those braves that embrace and subscribe responsibility-that others known to be wisdom.

[@johnd2533]

OMG it’s amazing! I couldn’t even listen to Johnson’s full speech while living in the aftermath of all this

[@KarlLembke]

Dennis Prager tells of having been part of a delegation to the World Youth Conference. The delegates from the Eastern Bloc countries wanted to go on a tour of the areas where poor blacks lived. After piling onto buses and touring Harlem, they were outraged. "We've been tricked!" they said. "We were shown where the *rich* blacks live!"

[@giovannibarranca2595]

Thomas Sowell, An Intelligent human Being who leads by example as one of the greatest minds in our lifetime.

[@crazeekamikazee]

Just discovered this guy. He seems amazing and has a kind face.

[@genniebeeXCU]

I never tire of listening to Thomas Sowell's interviews ❤️

[@Htman]

This man knows how to think. My Goodness.

[@CarlGatsonForNLV]

What a brilliant mind--always insightful.

[@robertfernandez5238]

No man in the history of this country has done more harm to society than LBJ. From his war on poverty - which destroys the family unit (The 16 year old girl, have a baby out of wedlock and get a check, have another one and get a bigger check) - to his war in Vietnam - which destroyed over 50,000 young Americans. All done with the noblest of intentions... which proved to totally counter productive. But it's still embraced despite being proven wrong. Kudos to Mr Sowell for advocating change.

[@jedmarum]

What a superb video!! Great discussion. I wish the whole world would watch and listen ...

[@82abhilash]

29:27 - "There is no 'you' who has the control to be completely fair or completely unfair." I need to remember that. Life isn't fair. But to all those that make it a little more bearable you have my appreciation and a bit more.

[@theostiltskin8229]

What a fantastic speaker. Why have I never heard him on NPR?

[@nameofthepen]

Awesome man. First I've ever heard about him. Mr. Sowell rocks.

[@STRAWMANburner]

17:43 And there you have it. Thomas Sowell is a genius with high level COMMON sense.

[@quatokistouffer9846]

for the comments that say "what can a economist know about Race." well I sugest you look at Thomas's record...no one will debate him realy because he has only been refuted once in his long career over facts in his books. so if you think you can prove him wrong go for it. he isn't thero-izing, he is stating facts based on the Numbers...Econimist by the way are great with numbers and he happens to be one of the Best on the world

[@natealbum4456]

It's not always a question of proving Sowell wrong or "look at the facts, numbers don't lie". Human beings are not numbers and don't behave as numbers (aka non emotional). That's where these ivy tower intellectuals fall short. Presidents have implemented policies of these eggheads - the great society program, trickle down economics, the Vietnam war, etc. And when these policies fail what do these intellectuals do? They go back to their ivy towers and write more books.

[@ibstah92]

Except these policies aren't made to help society and are made to further benefit the people in a position of power and influence. The 'trickle down' theory isn't pushed forward by any respected economist from any school of thought as Thomas Sowell himself points out in his books. Intellectuals are smart people but they can be used for personal gain just like anyone else or be persuaded by money. Although I do agree with you that theories and statistics can't always accurately predict or transfer over to reality since there are too many unknown variables like human psychology and sociology.

[@seanr3390]

what non argument.

[@IndagatorAD4]

Here, here. Milton Friedman as well.

[@Alex-zq9zm]

When has growth not happened? When will growth not happen? The truth of the matter is the world and the various groups of people that have inhabited it have grown and progressed. Economically and culturally.

[@basscataz]

im soo happy. ive been waiting for what seems like a lifetime for another interview by Peter Robinson of Thomas Sowell

[@Sumoto999]

Been waiting forever to hear from him again! What a treat.

[@tricky_d1672]

Thomas Sowell is ... Awesome!

[@billybagbom]

Sowell's analysis and critique of "progressivism" (within the first three minutes of this video) is the most succinct and the most incontrovertible that I have ever heard.

[@MagnusCattus]

Yes! more Thomas Sowell, easily my favorite speaker that frequents the show.

[@postolio1]

What a beautiful mind

[@DoctahDizzle]

I admire this man.

[@susysilvia4037]

Thank you Thomas sowell.

[@lyell939]

One of our great intellectuals... not afraid of saying things the cowardly "politically correct" people will NOT say, people who have been hurting race relations just because the truth scares them. Watch Trevor Phillips' movie "Things we won't say about race that are true". We need more people who speak the truth like these two gentleman.

[@MichaelHarrisIreland]

Great to be enlightened, he's excellent.

[@mikeorclem]

bravo Thomas..and peter..sowell is a genius and guru with no ego...a saint..

[@francineepstein4427]

Dr. Sowell is my absolute favorite author. If Dr. Sowell's books was made required reading for Jr. High & Highschool students in America. Anyone can elevate their IQ by reading Dr. Sowell & hearubg . his lectures. Dr. Sowell has the inherint ability bar none, for taking a complex subject and articulating that subject into simple terms by connecting all dots. e.g. politics, economics, race, religion, history...

[@likedamaster]

HIs answers are so obvious and simple it blows your mind, but that's the genius.

[@mtb416]

Intellectuals and Society helped me better explain my rational hatred of men like Noam Chomsky. Thomas Sowell is the ideal expert, which means he understands his expertise is of a particular scope. Others, particularly leftist intellectuals such as Chomsky, have little understanding of limited scope in which their expertise lies. Having said that, economics is more intrinsic to politics than linguistics (to continue the Chomsky example), so Sowell, as it relates to discussing politics, has better footing on which to engage in political discourse.

[@likedamaster]

What advice would you give to a young Thomas Sowell; how do you make something of yourself as a young African-American in America today? "The way anybody else would; you equip yourself with skills people are willing to pay for." -Thomas Sowell

[@5dmkiii60]

These two men play off each other splendidly. Mr. Peterson asks very intelligent and inciteful questions; at times playing the Devil's advocate role, and Dr. Sowell knocks them out of the ballpark. The dialogue between them is priceless.

[@ScipioWasHere]

These two are my favorite. *Name a more iconic duo.*

[@DaveMorrisonMusic]

Bless your heart, Souna.

[@drewthomasarnal5378]

I would pay good money to spend the day with these two gentleman.

[@tjschoenlein5189]

It's a pleasure to hear this exchange of thoughts, ideas. Cogency running amok.

[@rustymarquis3879]

Wow! This exchange is truly edifying...

[@hatemf23]

13:09 I love the face he makes every time Sowell drops some facts or deep insight.