One sentence summary:
A critical analysis of the self-congratulatory mindset of the liberal elites and its impact on social policies.
Book genre:
Non-fiction, political and social commentary.
Main topic of the book:
The book examines the prevailing ideas and attitudes of the liberal elites and how they shape social policies and outcomes.
Key ideas:
- The ‘vision of the anointed’ refers to the belief of the liberal elites that they have superior knowledge, wisdom, and moral superiority that qualifies them to make decisions for society.
- This vision is often accompanied by a sense of self-congratulation, where the anointed believe that their intentions and efforts are more important than the actual results.
- This mindset leads to a disregard for empirical evidence and a tendency to cling to ideological beliefs, which can have negative consequences for society.
- The anointed often impose their vision on minority groups, causing unintended harm in the name of “helping” them.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Part I: The Anointed – This section defines the “anointed” and identifies what sets them apart from the general population.
- Part II: The Vision of the Anointed – The author delves into the specific ideas and beliefs of the anointed, and how they shape their policies.
- Part III: The Reality of Results – This section explores the consequences of the anointed’s policies and how their intentions often do not align with the actual results.
- Part IV: Politicizing Justice – The author discusses how the anointed have politicized the justice system and its impact on society.
Key takeaways:
- The anointed often prioritize their own self-image over the well-being of society, disregarding empirical evidence and perpetuating harmful policies.
- The consequences of the anointed’s policies can have severe and long-lasting effects on society, particularly on marginalized groups.
- Acknowledging the limitations of our knowledge and being open to empirical evidence is crucial in making informed and effective decisions for society.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Thomas Sowell is an American economist, social theorist, and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He has published over 30 books on various topics, including economics, race, culture, and social policy. His work has been featured in major publications, and he has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to public policy and economics.
Target audience:
The book is targeted towards readers interested in political and social commentary, particularly those who challenge the prevailing views of the liberal elites and their impact on society.
Publisher and first publication date:
The Vision Of The Anointed: Self-congratulation As A Basis For Social Policy was published by Basic Books in 1995.