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Intellectuals and Race

By: Thomas Sowell
Narrated by: Robertson Dean
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Publisher's Summary

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)

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"social justice" dogma critiqued

Great material again from Dr Sowell. Lots to digest again. You probably have listen to it more than once (again) because insights pervade probably every page in the book. Previously listened to " black rednecks and white liberals" (highly recommended) and there's some overlapping content in here, but he takes a step back from manifest liberal dogma into the sphere of intelligentsia where much of that dogma has been/was/is being propagated and sometimes invented and initiated. You might think twice now about doing that social science degree. Highly recommend.

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One of the most important books for this century

Although focusing on the true causes of societal divisions in the West and the culpable role of intellectuals in this process; Sowell also provides a foundation for understanding contemporary global geopolitical events that defy reason.
This is a remarkable book and a must read for anyone interested in the genuine betterment of societies everywhere.

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Tom Sowell the Giant

Great read! Sowell penetrates through the dogma and conventional wisdom that prevails among intellectuals in relation to race. Striking contrast between intellectuals of today and decades back. Exceptionally well written and cited. Thank you to the great, Tom Sowell.

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The epigenetic affect

The most enjoyable part of this book for me was the relatively short discussion about the comparisons between WW2 soldier's children living in Germany verses growing up in America. Discussing disparities in the data between American heritage blacks raised in Germany verses raised in "black subculture" in America. Fascinating statistics presented on the epigenetic affect on groups of people.

The statistics on "what wealth bracket" the parents of black students who receive scholarships fall under. Ie, how many scholarships to pull poor blacks out of poverty are going to poor black students verses rich black families. Are the Intellectuals programs "working" to fix anything or is it just a somewhat form of virtue signalling by the intellectual elite. Also how much the mismatching of racial preferences causes massive problems to black students. Absolutely fascinating.

Great book. The reader has a similar kind of vocal tone to Sowell himself so it's a nice listen if you buy the audiobook. No need for a high-end academic vocabulary. The wording is meant for a general-ish audience so can be read/listened to by a mainstream audience.

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What a book!!!!!

The book is well worth a read/listen. It is a exceptionally great read and demonstrates the complex multifaceted problem that is intelligence and race.

While it shouldn't matter but unfortunately it does in 2022, the fact that a black man has come out against the narrative pushed by race intellectuals is refreshing.

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A baseline of reason

How can one man be a master of so much knowledge. Intellectuals and Race covers one of the most important topics of our generation without relying on emotion but rather with reason that is supported by clear and verifiable evidence.

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Thoughtful and thought provoking

As always, Thomas Sowell provides an in depth analysis of race issues and how they have been shaped by the elites of the day. Well worth it even if you already have his Intellectuals and Society

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The foremost U.S. intellectual

if you aren't au fait with the complete works of Thomas Sowell, 91 this year, you know nothing of the USA or the world.

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A must read for the current times

A clear, logical account detailing the impact on society of uncritically following 'intellectuals'. Sowel, calls for evidence in relation to the claimed causes of inequality, and importantly, evidence for the effectiveness of 'cures' proposed for them. He warns us that the intellectual heralds of these cures seldom pay the consequences of their application. In fact, based on historical evidence, often it is those whom the cures are meant to help that end up the most disadvantaged. A must listen if you really want to assist your community.

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MUST LISTEN!

Finally a prominent black intellectual tackles this messy subject with a level of nuance that no one else could have possibly matched. This should be a compulsory read for all the politically deranged middle upper class white kids and academics in the ivory tower who claim to morally superior because despite their regressive views.

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