Thank You, Dr. Sowell
I have always admired Thomas Sowell greatly. I read his Knowledge and Decisions during my first year of graduate school, and it had a profound effect on my thinking and way of looking at the world. I also read most of his work on discrimination, and found his book on Marxism to be a classic in intellectual history: a truly fair and penetrating appraisal of Marx, and Marxists (the two things aren’t the same, which is one of the points of the book). Conflict of Visions is a classic: there is no better book for understanding the intellectual roots behind the political divisions in the West. Yes, Sowell has strong views, but he is like John Stuart Mill in his ability to characterize his opponent’s views fairly and objectively.
Sowell has also been the subject of some the the ugliest personal attacks directed against any scholar over the last 40 years. For the progressive left, to be black and on the right is to be an anathema who must be destroyed. Yet he has handled the vicious attacks on him with equanimity and humor, and has never been cowed.
All I can say is that I am honored beyond words. Thank you, Dr. Sowell.
Cheers to Sowell.
Comment by Phil Rothman — December 31, 2013 @ 1:32 pm
I followed the link to Sowell’s article and now I wonder if I’ve wandered into some kind of climate change denial echo chamber. You guys know that the oil industry funded opinions on climate change make your protestations of objectivity look more ridiculous with every link ….
Comment by Sherlock Trollmes — December 31, 2013 @ 2:51 pm
Having attended Prof. Sowell’s classes at UCLA, I can tell you he is one of the few truly defiant men I have ever known. A compliment from him is a rare honor indeed.
I have also heard grudging admiration from Marxist colleagues of his perceptive writings on Marx early in his career.
Keep up the good work. All the best wishes to you and your family for a Happy New Year.
Comment by Dead — December 31, 2013 @ 9:57 pm
Sherlock-read Wattsupwiththat.com. The debate on climate change is far from settled, but the data shows that there is no manmade global warming.
Comment by Jeff — January 2, 2014 @ 8:56 pm