Intellectuals and Society

By: Thomas Sowell

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

This is a study of how intellectuals as a class affect modern societies by shaping the climate of opinion in which official policies develop, on issues ranging from economics to law to war and peace.

The thesis of Intellectuals and Society is that the influence of intellectuals is not only greater than in previous eras but also takes a very different form from that envisioned by those like Machiavelli and others who have wanted to directly influence rulers. It has not been by shaping the opinions or directing the actions of the holders of power that modern intellectuals have most influenced the course of events, but by shaping public opinion in ways that affect the actions of power holders in democratic societies, whether or not those power holders accept the general vision or the particular policies favored by intellectuals. Even government leaders with disdain or contempt for intellectuals have had to bend to the climate of opinion shaped by those intellectuals.

Intellectuals and Society not only examines the track record of intellectuals in the things they have advocated but also analyzes the incentives and constraints under which their views and visions have emerged. One of the most surprising aspects of this study is how often intellectuals have been proved not only wrong, but grossly and disastrously wrong in their prescriptions for the ills of society-- and how little their views have changed in response to empirical evidence of the disasters entailed by those views.

©2009 Thomas Sowell (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

A Must Read

This book is a must read for everyone, both Right and Left. The Right will agree with almost everything in this book. The Left, well if you have an open mind, you might learn a thing or two.

A good companion to this book would be Hayek's "Intellectuals and Socialism" and Mises "Liberalism" and "Socialism." I'd r also recommend reading Conflict of Visions, before this book, since Dr. Sowell pulls a lot of material from it.

Pro-intellectual

I listened to Intellectuals and Society after Economic Fallacies and was not disappointed. It should be noted that the book is not anti-intellectual. Rather, it argues that membership in the intelligentsia does not render one immune to group think and confirmation bias. Sowell gives historical examples of intellectuals promoting ideology that flies in the face of the facts. His readers are encouraged to be accountable for what they accept as true.

Thought provoking

I really enjoyed this book and it narration. Both the steam if thought and the talent of the narrator were easy to follow and stay engaged with. The content of the book as well gave me a lot to think about in terms of how I interpret history, politics, and society in general. I would encourage anyone to read this book if they have questions about how we as a society have gotten to were we are.

New insight to global politics

Much to learn but it’s difficult to determine his bias. I wish he would have been a bit more generous to his opponents because he seems to have an axe to grind but great insights regardless.

Always stunning logic

You can depend on Thomas Sowell to deliver on sound and relevant logic. Can’t wait to hear more.

Amazing thought

Its ashame that this quality of analysis and thought does not form the basis of the defense against hubris for every American.

Amazing way to test and confirm your intellect

Outstanding information and knowledge on what going on in this world. Bring to light who our leader are and why so many evil things have and are happening.

Brilliant

This book is astonishingly good both in knowledge and wisdom. Want to know our current condition? What ails us? Read and enjoy this well-written book.

Absolutely Incredible

Every moment of this book is amazing. It is like experiencing a fire hose of intelligence.

Recommended reading for all

A must read for everyone. We should definitely take these words to heart and realize that regardless of what side you feel you stand you could be doing more harm than good.