Thomas Sowell: Ivy League Baton Twirling
One of the sad and dangerous signs of our times is how many people are enthralled by words, without bothering to look at the realities behind those words.
One of those words that many people seldom look behind is “education.” But education can cover anything from courses on nuclear physics to courses on baton twirling….
- Thomas Sowell, Real Clear Politics (May 10, 2011)
The average American voter today is regularly treated to shallow news reporting and unquestioning “puff pieces” that neither require nor inspire critical thinking.
Words are spoken. Stories are read. And here we sit, taking it all in.
In a new article titled The ‘Education’ Mantra, posted in Real Clear Politics, Thomas Sowell traces this passivity to what has become the norm in many of our country’s colleges and universities: an emphasis on “soft” education, rather than more serious subjects that groom students to become more - not less - productive in society.
In reading this article, you’ll see that, once again, Sowell has written a salient and thoughtful editorial that is worth sharing far and wide - readily addressing the impact of these curricular changes in higher education in the United States and across the world.
An excerpt from The ‘Education’ Mantra:
Many Third World countries have turned out so many people with diplomas, but without meaningful skills, that “the educated unemployed” became a cliche among people who study such countries. This has not only become a personal problem for those individuals who have been educated, or half-educated, without acquiring any ability to fulfill their rising expectations, it has become a major economic and political problem for these countries.
Such people have proven to be ideal targets for demagogues promoting polarization and strife. We in the United States are still in the early stages of that process. But you need only visit campuses where whole departments feature soft courses preaching a sense of victimhood and resentment, and see the consequences in racial and ethnic polarization on campus.
There are too many other soft courses that allow students to spend years in college without becoming educated in any real sense.
We don’t need more government “investment” to produce more of such “education.” Lofty words like “investment” should not blind us to the ugly reality of political porkbarrel spending.
Thomas Sowell is one this country’s most brilliant - and logical - economic minds. His ability to link political policy with “kitchen table” issues like commodity pricing, social relations, and, yes, education, is simply unparalleled.
Indeed, it might go a long way toward re-instituting “hard” education if Sowell’s body of work were among required reading in the core curriculum of every university. As it is, anyone who’s serious about understanding the holistic impact of economic policy in our society would do well to follow Mr. Sowell’s writings.
- tdc
MORE THOMAS SOWELL:
- Purchase the classic book Basic Economics
- Watch an interview with Mr. Sowell on the program Uncommon Knowledge
- Read his Townhall editorials at townhall.com
*Photo via wn.com
When you try to waffle and be all things to all people, you can end up being nothing to anybody…you can have your big tent and your principles at the same time, but only if you took the trouble to make your case to the public in plain English.
Thomas Sowell, Are Republicans “Due”: Part IV - (via Townhall.com)
As usual, Thomas Sowell makes a salient point, highlighting the importance of principled - rather than convenient - politics. Historically, the most extraordinary leaders have an uncanny ability to reach the minds and hearts of their people through effective communication.
Inspiring leaders don’t simply give speech, they relay a message that is relevant, specific, and, yes, plain.
- tdc
*Archive tdc post - plain language defined: see palin, sarah
The black vote was once consistently Republican, from the time of Abraham Lincoln to Herbert Hoover. Even after Franklin D. Roosevelt won over the black vote to the Democrats, it was not considered remarkable when Eisenhower got a higher share of the black vote than any Republican president in recent times has.
Too many Republicans don’t even know their own party’s history…Just as boxers have to do training in the gym and roadwork before they are ready for a boxing match, Republicans need to do a lot of homework before they are ready for their next match against the Democrats.
Thomas Sowell, Are Republicans “Due”?: Part II - (via Townhall.com)
Hours ago, Scott Brown became Senator-elect Brown in the state of Massachusetts, and it was a great victory for independent-minded voters who raised their voices in opposition to the policies of Washington, DC. The work to reset our country back on the right path has just begun, but for today, we have evidence that it can be done - one election, one vote at a time.
Congratulations, Mr. Brown!
- tdc
The stakes in this fall’s elections go far beyond the fate of either the Republican party or the Democratic party. The fate of America is on the line. The Republicans need to understand that - and to understand that they are not simply “due” because of polls.
Thomas Sowell, Are Republicans Due? - (via Townhall.com on January 18, 2010)
In anticipation of tomorrow’s special senatorial election in Massachusetts, I thought Mr. Sowell’s words to be an appropriate reminder of what is at stake - today and always. In the end, polls and parties matter little. It’s about preserving the tenets of our nation.
- tdc
There is nothing older than the idea that this is new.
