Monday, June 6, 2011

Book Review - Intellectuals and Society

ASET book club read this book last year - this review captures my view of this flawed, yet accessible analysis by Sowell. While not his best work - Knowledge and Decisions would be a much better look at this topic, I would say that this book is worth a look.

Intellectuals are usually so absorbed in their visions for a better world that they have no patience for the gradual change that comes through market processes and voluntary action. Why wait for “social justice” outcomes such as the elimination of poverty or the end of discrimination if the government can simply mandate higher wages or outlaw “unfair” hiring practices? Sowell acknowledges that some intellectuals understand that State coercion, no matter how splendid the intentions behind it, is counterproductive. Most of them, however, continue advocating programs built around mandates, prohibitions, and taxes. Power is their opiate.

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