The Vision of the Anointed

Self-Congratulation as a Basis for Social Policy

By: Thomas Sowell

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

In this devastating critique of the mindset behind the failed social policies of the past 30 years, Thomas Sowell sees what has happened not as a series of isolated mistakes, but as a logical consequence of a vision whose defects have led to disasters in education, crime, family disintegration, and more. This is an empirical study in which “politically correct” theory is repeatedly confronted with facts, and the sharp contradictions between the two are explained in terms of a set of self-congratulatory assumptions held by political and intellectual elites.

These elites—the anointed—often consider themselves “thinking people,” but this thinking is actually rhetorical assertion, followed by evasions of mounting evidence against these assertions. The vision of the anointed is seen not merely as a failure but as a fatal danger to the values and the future of American society.

©1995 Thomas Sowell (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“An important and incisive book.” (New York Times Book Review)

“As compelling an explanation as any for the seemingly disproportionate amount of condescension and politically correct invective that emanates from the liberal side of the political spectrum toward the conservative opposition.” (Wall Street Journal)

“Avid conservatives, for whom Sowell is a true-blue intellectual force, will certainly seize upon his analysis for succor.” (Booklist)

The truth...whether you like it or not.

It's rare to get an unapologetic dose of truth these days. Most people, books, entertainment, etc. are geared towards telling people what they want to hear, because the truth makes us too uncomfortable... Not Thomas Sowell. Dr. Sowell is going to tell you the truth, whether or not you like or agree with it. This is a must read for everyone, regardless of your political or social leanings. Be warned, its not a colorful & exciting novel, its a cold stark look at reality. If you don't have the intellectual attention span you may wish to continue living the lies that the anointed of society have laid out for you. For everyone else....here's the red pill.

Should be required reading

Thomas Sowell debunks the words of throes retyping to change society by making decisions for us and harming most in their wake. As we also know once a government program is started it can never be killed.

Audible fails sync test

The audio is hopelessly out of sync with the text, but otherwise an excellent read of an excellent book.

Listen to Thomas Sowell and your brain will grow

What made the experience of listening to The Vision of the Anointed the most enjoyable?

The organization and logic of his ideas, observations and principles make Thomas Sowell the greatest proponent of freedom alive today. Many think he speaks of economics but he reveals the threats to freedom by the elitist in our government and other institutions.

What other book might you compare The Vision of the Anointed to and why?

Intellectuals and Society, by Thomas Sowell

What does Tom Weiner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

great voice

Great Insights

Sowell puts into words many things I had assumed and new things I hadn't. He describes the left, not in the usual Fox News way but backed with data, reasoning and evidence. He razes the contrivances of the left with the wrecking ball of facts.

Please Read this Book

Sowell's thesis is intriguing and his argument defending this thesis is compelling. My observations and experience confirms his thesis. The question that Sowell left unanswered is: if it's true, what is to be done about it?

Sowell: you're not educated without him

if you do not understand the vision of the anointed and the tragic vision, which Thomas Sowell explains, you will be at a loss to understand what's going on in America.

One of the best books I've ever listened to...

A masterpiece. If you ever wondered how the other side could be so consistently wrong, read this book and understand.

Thomas Sowell does it again

I have said it before and I reiterate that this volume should be required reading in every high school civics or social studies class in the nation.

And excellant commentary on Society

Professor Sowell's discussion of our Society's challenges limiting freedom remains very relevant today. Well written.