The quotations of

Thomas Sowell

American economist, social theorist, political philosopher and author

born 1930

19 quotes, most often on Politics, Race and Economics.

The most fundamental fact about the ideas of the political left is that they do not work. Therefore we should not be surprised to find the left concentrated in institutions where ideas do not have to work in order to survive.
“The Survival of the Left”, Forbes (Sep 8, 1997)
- Politics
I have always been offended by the song that says, ‘Everything is beautiful in its own way.’ If everything is beautiful, then the word ‘beautiful’ has no meaning. If everything were purple, there would be no word ‘purple’ in the language because it would not distinguish one thing from another.
- Beauty
Much of the social history of the Western world over the past three decades has involved replacing what worked with what sounded good.
Is Reality Optional? (1993), Social Deterioration
- Politics
Those who are preoccupied with ‘making a statement’ usually don’t have any statements worth making.
- Talking
Egalitarians create the most dangerous inequality of all⁠—inequality of power. Allowing politicians to determine what all other human beings will be allowed to earn is one of the most reckless gambles imaginable. Like the income tax, it may start off being applied only to the rich but it will inevitably reach us all.
- Government
People sometimes ask if I have tried to convince black ‘leaders’ to take a different view on racial issues. Of course not. I wouldn’t spend my time trying to persuade the mafia to give up crime. Why should I spend time trying to convince race hustlers to give up victimhood? It’s their bread and butter.
- Race
There are no solutions…there are only trade-offs.
Ideas are everywhere, but knowledge is rare.
Knowledge and Decisions (1980; 1996), Ch. 1 : The Role of Knowledge
- Ideas
- Knowledge
If you have always believed that everyone should play by the same rules and be judged by the same standards, that would have gotten you labeled a radical 50 years ago, a liberal 25 years ago and a racist today.
Creators Syndicate November 28, 1998.
- Politics
- Race
If there is one thing that is bipartisan in Washington, it is brazen hypocrisy.
“Supreme Hypocrisy”, 29 March 2016
- Clever Jabs
- Politics
Socialism in general has a record of failure so blatant that only an intellectual could ignore or evade it.
The Thomas Sowell Reader, New York: NY, Basic Books (2011) p. 144, Forbes magazine, “The survival of the left” (Sept. 8, 1997)
- Economics
- Politics
If the battle for civilization comes down to the wimps versus the barbarians, the barbarians are going to win.
Wimps Versus Barbarians, May 21, 2013
- Courage
Racism has never done this country any good, and it needs to be fought against, not put under new management for different groups.
“Out of Context”, Jewish World Review, 2 June 2009.
- Race
Facts do not “speak for themselves.” They speak for or against competing theories. Facts divorced from theory or visions are mere isolated curiosities.
A Conflict of Visions (1987), Ch. 1: The Role of Vision
- Facts
When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.
Barbarians inside the Gates and Other Controversial Essays (1999)
- Truth & Lies

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