Intellectuals and Society

By: Thomas Sowell

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

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.

I just kept agreeing with him.

What an excellent book!

Our country is hemmed in by self described know it alls whose work is never tested and whose mistakes are always forgotten. The unholy trinity of education, mainstream media and government have a strangle hold on our nation. I fear this will only worsen as universities get more left wing and their products take their place in media and government.

Oddly enough, the only hope is the economic crash that I see coming as budget deficits cause massive debt leading to hyperinflation. Then we will be able to rebuild absent the heavy weight of government. People who can actually DO something will be valued in those times.

If you want to see the argument for my conclusions, read or listen to this book.

Thomas Sowell is an important thinker today

What did you love best about Intellectuals and Society?

To be able to hear Thomas Sowell's idea. Tom Weiner made me believe that he was Sowell.

Any additional comments?

I really like the large variety that can be found in Audible. From light fiction, science fiction to serious non-fiction titles.

Mr. Sowell has nailed it - again!

Every time his books can't get any better, I run across another, better, one. This one nails the "anointed" progressive thought processes and how they have brought our society and our country to the breaking point.
For definitions of the anointed and beknighted classes, and an earlier text on the subject of "progressive" destruction, read/listen to "The Vision of the Anointed: Self-Congratulation as a Basis for Social Policy" first.

Focus + Truth = Clarity

Would you consider the audio edition of Intellectuals and Society to be better than the print version?

yes, easier to digest while doing other things. (drive, yardwork, etc.)

What did you like best about this story?

Sowell's plain, focused wisdom. His ability to communicate fairly complex ideas without the need to clutter the experience with jargon. His ability to distill simple truths from storms of confusion and irrelevancy, then write only those distilled truths.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Too many to list. Best summary of the important issues relating to WWII I've ever read. Best dissection of the forces/incentives that drive public intellectuals.

Any additional comments?

No leftist intellectual's belief system will survive an honest, curious reading of this book.

Eloquent, Articulate, Informative

This book is eye opening. If the idea of this book frightens you, you need to listen to it. Now I need to grab the rest of his books.

Sowell at his Greatest.

Here, The Great Sowell goes over the Power, and of course unchecked & hence Dangerous role, that Intellectuals have over society. It will completely change what you think of information which is given to you.

So much to learn in so little time.

Well written. Well read. Thomas Sowell's ability to bring history together this way is just amazing. Thank you, sir, for your great and many contributions to the American people and those around the world.

Another great book by Thomas Sowell

Sowell is the rare combination of an incredibly intelligent individual who doesn’t talk over your head. His writings are deep and thoughtful but I can still, as a common man, comprehend his points and social commentary. I’ve read several of his books and believe him to be one of the greatest American authors of all time. This book is a must read if conservatives want to defend conservative values.

A book that my son must read

An insightful book and top ten of books I will one day recommend my son read before going at it on his own

One of Sowell's finest

Thomas Sowell paints a clear picture of the effect of the intelligencia in this country and on the world. He goes in depth on how they have shaped outcomes of war, politics, and social issues. This is a must-read for any fan of Sowell.