A Conflict of Visions Audiobook By Thomas Sowell cover art

A Conflict of Visions

Ideological Origins of Political Struggles

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A Conflict of Visions

By: Thomas Sowell
Narrated by: Michael Edwards
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In this book, which the author calls a "culmination of 30 years of work in the history of ideas," Sowell attempts to explain the ideological difference between liberals and conservatives as a disagreement over the moral potential inherent in nature. Those who see that potential as limited prefer to constrain governmental authority, he argues. They feel that reform is difficult and often dangerous, and put their faith in family, custom, law, and traditional institutions. Conversely, those who have faith in human nature prefer to remove institutional and traditional constraints. Controversies over such diverse issues as criminal justice, income distribution, or war and peace repeatedly show an ideological divide along the lines of these two conflicting visions.©1987 Thomas Sowell (P)1988 Classics on Tape Political Science Thought-Provoking Politics & Government Social Sciences Capitalism Socialism Taxation Inspiring Conservative Politics

Critic reviews

"Extraordinary....[Sowell] makes his case fairly, lucidly, and persuasively." (New York Times)
"A provocative analysis of the conflicting visions of human nature that have shaped the moral, legal and economic life of recent times....His discussion of how these conflicting attitudes ultimately produce clashes over equality, social justice and other issues is instructive."(Publishers Weekly)
"The book builds a convincing case that ethical and policy disputes are ultimately based on the differences in these visions. It covers a wide variety of political, philosophical, and economic thought...[A]n important contribution to our understanding of current social issues." (Library Journal)
Intellectual Clarity • Profound Insights • Tremendous Performance • Relevant Framework • Enlightening Analysis

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Thomas Sowell's writings are always intelligent and thought provoking. His grasp of economics surpasses all other current authors on this topic, and his understanding of current society comes from his understanding of history and human nature. His books are never boring even when discussing economics.

That said, "A Conflict of Visions" isn't about right or left; just as there are big-government Democrats, there are big government Republicans. This book is about the constrained and unconstrained visions of how the world works.

Listen to it, and you may just gain some insights into yourself.

Thought provoking

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I was surprised to find that this book was written in 1987. It remains so relevant that it might as well have been written yesterday. On a personal level, it helped me understand why family members who share most of the same values I do nevertheless diverge so far when it comes to political practicalities. I can see why Dr. Sowell regards it as one of the intellectual works he is most proud of.

Very Insightful

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if you're familiar with Tom's other books, and you enjoyed them, then it's hard to give a better reason to try this one than saying that Thomas Sowell himself, without hesitation, refers to this book as his personal favorite. The narrator is a bit dry sometimes, but the content itself is everything you've come to expect from Tom, and then some!

Thomas Sowell's Favorite Book

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Sowell is brilliant as always. This is a very insightful look at the subject. The book has helped me to take a more critical look of what motivates others and myself.

Very insightful as usual

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Lots of deep thought philosophy of vision that took a bit to get on board

Deep Thoughts

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