Thomas Sowell

Date of Birth: June 30, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Thomas Sowell is an American economist, social theorist, and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. Born in North Carolina and raised in Harlem, New York, Sowell’s life journey took him from poverty to becoming one of the most influential conservative economists and intellectuals in the United States. Sowell enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, after which he attended Harvard University, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in economics. He later earned his master’s degree from Columbia University and his doctorate in economics from the University of Chicago under the supervision of George Stigler, a prominent figure in the field. Throughout his career, Sowell has written extensively on economics, education, race, and social policies. He has authored more than 30 books, including “Basic Economics,” “Black Rednecks and White Liberals,” and “Discrimination and Disparities.” His writings and public speeches have shaped conservative thought and policy debates on a range of issues.

5 Interesting Facts about Thomas Sowell

1. Thomas Sowell was the first person in his family to finish high school.

2. He has taught economics at several prestigious institutions, including Cornell University, UCLA, and Amherst College.

3. Sowell has received numerous awards, including the National Humanities Medal, which he was given in 2003.

4. He has been a syndicated columnist for over 25 years, with his columns appearing in newspapers and online platforms across the country.

5. Despite his academic achievements, Sowell often emphasizes the importance of common sense and practical knowledge over theoretical expertise.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thomas Sowell

1. “There are no solutions. There are only trade-offs.”

2. “It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance.”

3. “The most basic question is not what is best, but who shall decide what is best.”

4. “Much of the social history of the Western world over the past three decades has involved replacing what worked with what sounded good.”

5. “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.”