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
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
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
The first lesson of economics is scarcity: there is never enough of anything to fully satisfy all those who want it. The first lesson of politics is to disregard the first lesson of economics.
Is Reality Optional? (1993), Student Loans
- Economics
- Politics
The fact that so many successful politicians are such shameless liars is not only a reflection on them, it is also a reflection on us. When the people want the impossible, only liars can satisfy.
Big Lies in Politics, 22 May 2012.
- Politics
- Truth & Lies

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