Wealth, Poverty, and Politics

An International Perspective

In Wealth, Poverty, and Politics, Thomas Sowell, one of the foremost conservative public intellectuals in the country, argues that political and ideological struggles have led to dangerous confusion about income inequality in America. Pundits and politically motivated economists trumpet ambiguous statistics and sensational theories while ignoring the true determinant of income inequality: the production of wealth. We cannot properly understand inequality if we focus exclusively on the distribution of wealth and ignore wealth-production factors such as geography, demography, and culture. Sowell contends that liberals have a particular interest in misreading the data and chastises them for using income inequality as an argument for the welfare state.

Refuting Thomas Piketty, Paul Krugman, and others, Sowell draws on empirical data to show that the inequality is not nearly as extreme or sensational as we have been led to believe. Transcending partisanship through a careful examination of data, Wealth, Poverty, and Politics reveals the truth about the most explosive political issue of our time.

©2015 Thomas Sowell (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

good analysis

Great book. offers a great perspective on modern economics and the disparities in our world. He posts a great case that the inequalities of our times may not be what they seem...

Great Insight for Those Not Buying Mainstream

Great information. Love it. Gives me a better prospect why some cultures succeed and thrive.

The people who need to hear this probably will never do so

Excellently thought out. Explaining how wealth and poverty have multiple causes and the roles are in constant flux.

There are some holes that could use more explanation, but doing so would extend the book, and make the message murky.

A Great Teacher

Reading Sowell’s books can be the equivalent of an advanced degree in economics. His clear writing and extensive historical research makes learning very interesting.

for anyone wondering about your fair share

Sowell delivers another great read with perspectives so well thought out that it will be hard to prove him wrong on anything in this.