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.

Wisdom!

This is the third book I've read by Thomas Sowell and this one is my favorite. He explains how our society got where it is today. Thomas Sowell has such wisdom. His writings should be taught in schools everywhere!

Eye opening!

loved it from the opening paragraph. A remarkable read which provides insightful and provocative thoughts, ideas and most importantly... Facts

thought provoking

Really makes you wonder how to hold accountable those who shape culture without being bound by practical consequences.

Unfortunately Prescient

Professor Sowell, as always, knocks it out of the park. He looks back to castigate leftist intellectuals in their heyday's of the 1960's and '70's, but I wonder if he already sensed the pressure building in academia. Failed 60s Marxists retreated to the Universities and quietly rebuilt, laying the foundations for the intellectual assault that was about to burst forth on an unprepared and complacent society. Meanwhile, the conservative movement was exhausted after 8 dissapointing years of George W. Bush, and the business community was happy to go along with anything as long as they could get in on that sweet China trade. The West took it's success for granted and forgot why we won the Cold War and why we enjoyed unprecedented economic and cultural dominance. Worse, we squandered a once-in-a-century opportunity.

Absolutely incredible. Sowell can see the future.

Even though this book was written several years ago, everything Thomas Sowell says in the book is true, happened recently, or is happening right now.
For me it was chilling to read because it's like he was trying to warn us and not everybody was paying attention.
I would recommend everybody read this book especially those that have more liberal tendencies, it may be an eye-opener.

“Intellectuals”

Thomas Sowell is a true profit and legend in our time. His words are filled with incredible truths and simple math!
This book should be a mandatory class in high school. His economic views should be lifted up and taught as gospel!

Highly recommended

Outstanding work! Thank you. You have performed a great service even if it is partially as an intellectual.

Thomas Sowell doesn't disappoint.

This was a smooth, easy listen. The logic is rock solid and flows easily.

Ignore the Leftists who review based off Summaries

I've read many reviews of Dr. Sowell's books and I think it's a common occurrence that those who often review his books with a single star read a few summaries whereby they feel they have become knowledgeable enough to review his works. The reviewers on this page are doing a considerable disservice by writing politically charged reviews before they even read the book.

With that said, I agree with a previous reviewer that "Intellectuals and Society" is a rehashing of some of Dr. Sowell's previous works, but it is nevertheless an excellent account with contemporary additions of the history of intellectual influence on culture.

It's ironic that the reviewer who called Dr. Sowell "anti-intellectual" was actually contributing to the truth of his thesis that intellectuals are not in favor of intellectual history, they are only in favor of promoting their own particular world view.

The ideas have been hashed out in many of his previous works, but some of the contemporary additions are worth the buy. If you have never read Thomas Sowell, "Intellectuals and Society" is an excellent introduction as it is very accessible.

I find Thomas Sowell fascinating

I have to confess that I find Thomas Sowell fascinating. I read his book “Economic Facts and Fallacies” and I have read many more. I enjoy watching him one “Youtube.” The man has a fantastic mind, he is able to tie real problems and solutions to real outcomes. He does not need to invent, slander or use pejoratives to attach those that disagree. His logic, history, facts and reality prove him right over and over again
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I love this book. I enjoyed every bit of it, and I love how Dr. Sowell ties every bit of the intelligentsia’s rhetoric back facts, numbers, reality, and history. The book follows Dr. Sowell’s thoughts on most of the materials I have read. There is nothing new here, except the ability to read Dr. Sowell’s thought. He is unapologetic, honest and forthright. Unlike the Intellectuals who will attack him personally, he has honor, and real intelligence. This work will never rise to fame, as he pulls the blinds open on the Intelligentsia, but it is a great read, even if you don’t care for Thomas Sowell.