Sunday, January 30, 2011

Thomas Sowell - Basic Economics

Thomas Sowell is quite possibly the most prolific, most intelligent and least known economist in the country.  He writes and speaks on a wide range of topics, usually disemboweling some sacred cows along the way.  This has earned him the scorn of the establishment.  He has become one of my literary heroes, along with Gary North.  They make intelligently written and interesting to read prose look easy.

Here Prof. Sowell is talking about the latest release of his most famous book Basic Economics.  There are no charts, no graphs, and no jargon.  It qualifies as "heavy reading" coming in at 600 or so pages.  For a sampling of his work, try the best essay you'll read on education.

Note:  When Mr. Robinson asks Prof. Sowell about eliminating the FED - Sowell catches Robinson by surprise by saying that it should be eliminated.  Make a note of this.  Until very recently, the FED wasn't a topic, let alone having its removal advocated by one of the intellectuals of the 'right'.  Sowell, addicted to the truth, and armed with airtight logic and study, befuddles the interviewer, who has to regroup.  Interesting viewing.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sowell is a gem!

Unknown said...

While I enjoyed that, I'm not sure it's the best essay on education I've ever seen. I mean, he's right and all, but everything he said is just so obvious.