“Classical Economics Reconsidered” (1974) by Thomas Sowell is a thorough exploration of classical economic thought, providing readers with a deeper understanding of its foundational theories, practitioners, and its relevance in the modern economic landscape. Sowell, known for his clear exposition and rigorous analytical approach, critically examines the work of classical economists, debunking some misconceptions and placing their ideas within a broader historical and intellectual context.
Continue readingMonthly Archives: September 2023
Black Education: Myths and Tragedies by Thomas Sowell
“Black Education: Myths and Tragedies” by Thomas Sowell, published in 1972, is a critical exploration of the challenges faced by Black students in the American education system. Drawing on empirical evidence and historical accounts, Sowell aims to dissect some of the commonly held myths regarding Black education, as well as the consequences that arise from these misconceptions.
Continue readingEconomics: Analysis and Issues by Thomas Sowell
“Economics: Analysis and Issues” by Thomas Sowell is an early work of the renowned economist, aiming to provide a foundational understanding of economics, its principles, and the issues it addresses. This 1971 book showcases Sowell’s characteristic clarity, analytical rigor, and penchant for breaking down complex economic concepts into accessible narratives.
Continue readingWhat Went Wrong by Bernard Lewis
“What Went Wrong? The Clash Between Islam and Modernity in the Middle East” by Bernard Lewis is a probing examination of the political, economic, and cultural decline of Islamic civilizations in the modern age, particularly when contrasted with the rise of the West. Lewis, a prominent historian of the Middle East, explores the intricate factors that have contributed to the stagnation and perceived backwardness of a civilization that once stood at the pinnacle of human achievement.
Continue readingUnderdevelopment Is a State of Mind by Lawrence E. Harrison
“Underdevelopment Is a State of Mind: The Latin American Case” by Lawrence E. Harrison delves into the intricate socio-cultural factors that have contributed to the economic stagnation of many Latin American countries, contrasting them with the successes seen in the United States, Western Europe, and parts of Asia. Published in 1985, the book is a direct challenge to the prevailing economic determinist narratives that primarily attribute underdevelopment to external economic factors.
Continue readingThey Made America by Harold Evans
“They Made America: From the Steam Engine to the Search Engine: Two Centuries of Innovators” by Harold Evans is a captivating exploration into the lives and achievements of American innovators who have significantly impacted the course of history. Published in 2004, Evans dives deep into the biographies of some well-known innovators, as well as several unsung heroes, to showcase the transformative power of innovation.
Continue readingThe Rise of the West by William H. McNeill
“The Rise of the West: A History of the Human Community” by William H. McNeill is a monumental work published in 1963 that chronicles the history of human civilizations and their interactions from the Neolithic era to the mid-20th century. This voluminous text, spanning over 800 pages, presents a global view of history, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural exchanges in the development and advancement of societies.
Continue readingModern Times by Paul Johnson
“Modern Times: The World from the Twenties to the Nineties” by Paul Johnson is a sweeping historical narrative that offers a comprehensive examination of the major political, cultural, and economic events of the 20th century. The work, which spans from the end of World War I to the early 1990s, represents Johnson’s conservative perspective on modern history, critiquing the ideologies and movements that shaped the century.
Continue readingMexifornia by Victor Davis Hanson
“Mexifornia: A State of Becoming” is a work by Victor Davis Hanson, a classicist and historian with deep familial ties to California’s Central Valley. In the book, Hanson delves into the complex relationship between California and Mexico, particularly addressing the immigration patterns and policies of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Hanson offers both a personal and analytical perspective, combining his family’s multi-generational experience in the state with a historical and socio-political analysis.
Continue readingLife at the Bottom by Theodore Dalrymple
“Life at the Bottom: The Worldview That Makes the Underclass” is a collection of essays by the British author Theodore Dalrymple, a pen name for Dr. Anthony Daniels. Drawing from his experiences as a psychiatrist in a British inner-city hospital and prison, Dalrymple offers a scathing critique of modern British society, specifically its underclass. He attributes the malaise and social pathologies of the underclass not to economic factors but to the spread of specific intellectual ideas that undermine personal responsibility.
Continue readingHistory of the American People by Paul Johnson
“History of the American People” by Paul Johnson is a comprehensive account of the United States, covering its origins to the end of the 20th century. Johnson, a British historian, provides an outsider’s view of American history, merging political, social, and cultural narratives to create a tapestry of the nation’s evolution.
Continue readingThe Gathering Storm by Winston Churchill
“The Gathering Storm” is the first volume of Winston Churchill’s six-volume memoirs about World War II. It covers the period from the end of World War I to the beginning of World War II, chronicling the rise of Adolf Hitler, the capitulation of the European democracies, and the grim prelude to global conflict.
Continue readingThe Federalist by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay
“The Federalist,” commonly referred to as the Federalist Papers, is a collection of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. It was penned under the pseudonym “Publius” and was intended to advocate for the ratification of the United States Constitution. Given its foundational importance to American political theory, “The Federalist” demands close examination.
Continue readingFDR’s Folly by Jim Powell
“FDR’s Folly” by Jim Powell is a critical examination of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies. Contrary to popular narratives that credit the New Deal with lifting the U.S. out of the Great Depression, Powell posits that these policies exacerbated and prolonged the economic downturn. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the work:
Continue readingEquality, Delusion, and the Third World by Peter Bauer
“Equality, Delusion, and the Third World” by Peter Bauer is an incisive critique of prevailing notions surrounding Third World countries, development, and foreign aid. Peter Bauer, an influential economist, challenges mainstream beliefs about the efficacy and ethics of economic aid to developing nations. Here’s a deeper look into the work:
Continue readingConservative Comebacks to Liberal Lies by Gregory Jackson
“Conservative Comebacks to Liberal Lies” by Gregory Jackson is an assertive and polemical work aimed at refuting various claims and narratives that Jackson identifies as liberal misconceptions or falsehoods. The book intends to arm conservative readers with counterarguments to challenge liberal talking points. Here’s an analysis of the work:
Continue readingCity Economics by Brendan O’Flaherty
“City Economics” by Brendan O’Flaherty is an insightful exploration into the economic complexities and intricacies of urban environments. O’Flaherty delves deep into the various facets of city life and economy, ranging from housing and public transport to crime and segregation.
Continue readingChoosing the Right College by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute
“Choosing the Right College” is a guide published by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), aimed at aiding students and parents in the college selection process. Let’s delve into a deeper analysis of this work.
Continue readingBlack Rednecks and White Liberals by Thomas Sowell
“Black Rednecks and White Liberals” is one of Thomas Sowell’s more provocative works, offering a series of essays that challenge many widely accepted narratives about race, culture, and history. Welcome to a critical analysis.
Continue readingBasic Economics by Thomas Sowell
“Basic Economics” by Thomas Sowell is a significant work in the realm of economic literature, particularly for its accessibility to the general reader. Let’s delve into a detailed analysis of this text.
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