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Ivanhoe Martin's avatar

Can we please get this man a Presidential Medal of Freedom, stat.

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Rfhirsch's avatar

A Nobel Prize in Literature, please.

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Anthony Lucido's avatar

I second and third that motion.

He is a man, take him for all in all, we shall not look upon his like again.

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PhilipA. Carlson's avatar

I would love to see President Trump award the medal in a one-man ceremony to stress the importance of Thomas Sowell’s work.

However, with Hillary Clinton having the same honor along with Obama wearing a Nobel and journalists with Pulitzers on their walls for abetting the Trump dossier fraud, I would not feel too bad not being in any of those clubs.

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Rascal Nick Of's avatar

Instead of “social studies” we should just have “Sowell Studies”. He is among a small handful of the major intellectual figures of the 20th Century. Needs a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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Michael Sanera's avatar

Steve, I agree with your favorite list, especially K&D. When I was working at the John Locke Foundation and an adjunct professor at NC State, I assigned "Conflict of Visions" in my American Government class. They didn’t invite me back the following semester.

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Doplar's avatar

I am a University of South Carolina alumnus. After moving to North Carolina some 40+ years ago I chose to become a fan of NC State football, mostly, (though I loved the State win over Houston to become the '83 NCAA national champions in basketball.) I have always thought of State as less liberal than UNC, Duke and Wake Forest. It is bothersome for me to read of your experience there, but I'll keep telling myself, it just ain't so (Joe).

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Michael Sanera's avatar

You are probably right. It is less ideological.

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RAM's avatar
5dEdited

Sowell's writing is always crystal clear and to the point. He takes a dim view of secular utopianism, as did Jean-François Revel.

Here, he quotes Revel:

https://www.deseret.com/2008/9/18/20275364/thomas-sowell-obama-s-inexperience-and-rhetoric-could-lead-u-s-into-a-catastrophe/

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Tim Hurlocker's avatar

In "A Conflict of Visions," Sowell contrasts Adam Smith's constrained vision with the unconstrained views of Rousseau. Both philosophers are characters in my book, Henry Scott, Third Duke of Buccleuch, and Sowell's book is listed in the bibliography.

"Nature made me happy and good, and if I am otherwise, it is society's fault." -- Jean Jacque Rousseau

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Brian Miller's avatar

Prof Hayward, I have a deep appreciation for Thomas Sowell.

I have a deeper appreciation for reading lists. Maybe a regular column (monthly?) posting suggested books on topics of your choosing.

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The Gora's avatar

It's not always clear whether Leftists are hypocrites, idiots or both, but their mastery of cognitive dissonance is indisputable. Here is one, following on from one of items Steve mentioned in the article - Leftists have the unconstrained view of humanity & yet the entirely constrained, zero sum view of markets & wealth.

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Severe Conservative's avatar

Another collection https://x.com/lcberesford/status/1939745888710136180

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Steven F. Hayward's avatar

Much more neatly shelved than mine!

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Severe Conservative's avatar

No problem with the shelving, but please put the two copies of Intellectuals and Society next to each other.

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Steven F. Hayward's avatar

Yes, I've sent a sharp note to my negligent librarian.

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Steve's avatar

I had read about 3 of his books before I saw he was black. After I saw that my opinion of him did not change one bit. Other than I really realized Color Doesn't Matter.

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Doplar's avatar

As a country music fan I loved Charlie Pride long before I knew he was black. I loved him even more after.

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Doplar's avatar

So, on Thomas Sowell's birthday we receive this gift from Mr. Sowell, handed to us by you, Steven. Thank you. If only I was a fast reader and equally so with comprehension I would devour Sowell's works as a whole, and be the wisest and most well informed man I know. Sadly I'm not, so I must take in what I can, and contend with my high levels of ignorance. "Conflict of Vision" must be my next read. Only 273 pages (and there is a Kindle version) so I should be able to chew on and digest that without too much time and effort expended. God Bless and Happy Birthday to Thomas Sowell, and may he live forever - there and here, where he lives in our hearts and minds.

My last purchase of a Sowell BOOK "Knowledge and Decisions," (Hardcover) was only 383 pages, but the print was so small as to make it a challenge, after the much larger font I have become accustomed to on my Kindle. Modern times, what can I say?

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GrumpyOldRetiredMailman's avatar

Truly a Great American 🇺🇸

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GrumpyOldRetiredMailman's avatar

Truly a Great American 🇺🇸

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GrumpyOldRetiredMailman's avatar

Truly a Great American 🇺🇸

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Brian Miller's avatar

Slightly off topic, but I do like the title reference to "Sam and Dave".

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CharlesMartel3's avatar

Sowell is the best.

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