Intellectuals and society

In this revision of Intellectuals and Society (CH, Nov'10, 48-1787), economist Sowell (Hoover Institution) challenges the impact of intellectuals on society. Organizing his book around the various areas of human activity, including history, economics, politics, and war, Sowell places much responsibility for complex social problems at the feet of those who offered antidotes. He not only lampoons the lofty role intellectuals have been granted in shaping social policy but also forces readers to reevaluate the results of these policies. While mainstream pundits constantly applaud thinking people, very seldom are the ideas scrutinized or tested. Sowell offers an evaluation and establishes that much of the social tinkering advocated by the intellectual elite is tantamount to a dog chasing his tail. Clearly ideas are important, but so are results. Certainly passionate about the topic, Sowell is perceptive and at times brilliant. On the whole, the author has produced another well-written work that rehashes many of the same themes found in his previous publications, so his book is a necessary purchase only for comprehensive collections on Sowell. Still, this is an entertaining read and should foster a great deal of discussion among intellectual historians and graduate students alike. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries. J. B. Cook North Greenville University