Intellectuals and Race

By: Thomas Sowell

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Intellectuals and Race is a radical book in the original sense - one that goes to the root of the problem. The role of intellectuals in racial strife is explored in an international context that puts the American experience in a wholly new light.

Intellectuals have played a major role in racial issues throughout the centuries. Though their individual views may differ, as a whole their views tend to group, and just over the course of the twentieth century, they have shifted from one end of the spectrum to the other. Surprisingly, these radically different views of race were held by intellectuals whose views on other issues were often very similar.

Intellectuals and Race is not, however, a book about history, even though it has much historical evidence, as well as demographic, geographic, and economic evidence - all of it directed toward testing the underlying assumptions about race that have prevailed at times among intellectuals in general, and especially at their highest levels.

Nor is this simply a theoretical exercise. Sowell’s ultimate concern is the impact of intellectual movements on the larger society, both past and present. These ideas and crusades have ranged widely from racial theories of intelligence to eugenics to “social justice” and multiculturalism.

In addition to in-depth examinations of these and other issues, Intellectuals and Race explores the incentives, the visions, and the rationales that drive intellectuals at the highest levels to conclusions that have often turned out to be counterproductive and even disastrous, not only for particular racial or ethnic groups but for societies as a whole.

©2013 Thomas Sowell (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Sowell brings an all-too-rare perspective to whatever he writes about - that of a conservative black intellectual, especially valuable for this book’s topic." ( Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

Expels the victimhood trend using logic

If all people read and discussed the topics mentioned - society might find itself on the road to greater civility in that - common excuses for mediocrity could no longer prevail.
And the reasons for its expulsion would be obvious to all classes and cultures of people.
Discusses uncomfortable truths steeped in logic. Disparages irrational assumptions using similar layman’s logic.
Incredibly illuminating.

One of the few objective takes I’ve heard

Very well done and factually supported book. If you people are brave enough to write in this field, regarding race, have any facts to bring to the table but this author does. Being from a multi racial family, I found it refreshing and interesting.

Brilliant countervailing perspective

Liberals undoubtedly treat Mr Sowell’s “Intellectuals and Race” with the same disdain they treat any work which presents a serious challenge to leftist ideology and verbal virtuosity. Sowell posits a compelling counterpoint to systemic racist dogma which has, and continues to be, systematically and uncritically indoctrinated into mainstream American thought. Sowell artfully exposes the faulty correlation equals causation logic of Systemic Racism proponents, revealing critical flaws in their arguments and encourages readers to consider alternative perspectives of racial disparities, how they evolved and how society may need think about such disparities in an effort to mitigate the negative effects of inequality.

Absolutely 💯

Thomas Sowell is amazing as usual. The choice of sentences and words is just pure gem. A must listen!

Amazing read

Such an amazing book everyone needs to read or listen to this and everything written by Thomas Sowell