Commentary
Thomas Sowell’s searing critique of bureaucracy—“It’s hard to imagine a more stupid or dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong”—is more relevant today than ever. This legendary economist, born to North Carolina sharecroppers in 1930, overcame adversity to become one of the most influential conservative thinkers of the modern era. His insights resonate powerfully across borders, offering lessons for Canada as much as for his native United States.
Sowell’s journey is remarkable. Orphaned young and raised by a great aunt in Harlem, he pursued education against significant odds, earning a PhD in economics under Milton Friedman at the University of Chicago. Initially a Marxist, his views shifted dramatically during a stint with the U.S. Department of Labor, where he saw firsthand how government programs could exacerbate—rather than alleviate—poverty. This transformation launched him as a staunch advocate for free-market economics and an unflinching critic of expansive government.
Over a career spanning decades, Sowell’s writings tackled economics, social theory, and cultural criticism with piercing clarity. From “Basic Economics,“ a primer on economic principles, to ”Social Justice Fallacies,” a critique of modern identity politics, Sowell’s work underscores his belief in personal responsibility and the perils of government overreach. His observations hold profound relevance for Canada, a nation grappling with the consequences of unchecked bureaucracy and policies that often prioritize ideological aims over practical outcomes.
One of Sowell’s most enduring legacies is his critique of affirmative action. As a black professor in elite institutions during its rise, he saw how such policies, though well-intentioned, demeaned highly-qualified individuals by casting doubt on their achievements. His book “Affirmative Action Around the World“ argues that these programs often harm the very groups they aim to help. In Canada, where debates over equity and inclusion dominate policy discourse, Sowell’s insights offer a cautionary tale about the harm and injustice caused by identity-based policymaking.
Sowell’s writing smoulders with an underlying moral righteousness leavened by his good humour and human decency, the twinkle in his eye bouncing and sparkling even as he skewers leftist fallacies and the hypocrites who convey them. Perhaps most compelling is his ability to distill complex issues into pithy, unforgettable aphorisms. His work brims with clarity and moral conviction, offering a rare combination of intellectual rigour and accessibility. As Powerline blogger Scott Johnson aptly noted, Sowell elicits “profound feelings of gratitude” for his “expository gifts, depth, fairness, and ability to get to the heart of the matter.” Here are some of his most resonant thoughts:
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On moral values and freedom:
- “Without a moral framework, there is nothing left but immediate self-indulgence by some and the path of least resistance by others. Neither can sustain a free society.”
- “Freedom has cost too much blood and agony to be relinquished at the cheap price of rhetoric.”
On socialism and the welfare state:
- “Socialism has a record of failure so blatant that only an ‘intellectual’ could ignore or evade it.”
- “The welfare state is not really about the welfare of the masses. It is about the egos of the elites.”
- “The real goal should be to reduce government spending, rather than increasing tax rates to cover ever-rising spending.”
On bureaucracy:
- “You’ll never understand bureaucracies until you understand that for bureaucrats, procedure is everything and outcomes are nothing.”
- “Open-ended demands are a mandate for ever-expanding bureaucracies with ever-expanding budgets and powers.”
Education has been another of Sowell’s enduring concerns. He decried the ideological indoctrination that has replaced genuine learning in many schools, observing that “much of what is promoted as ‘critical thinking’ in our schools is in fact uncritical negativism towards the history and institutions of America.” This critique resonates in Canada, where debates over curricula often mirror those in the United States, raising questions about how education is shaping young minds.
Sowell’s keen observations stem from a deep belief in the value of freedom—freedom to succeed or fail, to learn from one’s experiences, and to resist the encroachments of overbearing governments. He warned against the moral hazards of dependency, whether through welfare programs or top-down technocratic solutions. His critiques are not merely academic; they reflect a profound understanding of human nature and societal dynamics.
Canada stands at a crossroads. Our growing bureaucracies, polarized politics, and strained public finances mirror many of the challenges Sowell spent his life dissecting. His call for individual responsibility, limited government, and the preservation of freedom is as urgent here as it is anywhere. In 2025, we should strive for political and administrative leadership rooted in the timeless principles he championed.
Thankfully, at 94, Sowell has lived long enough to see a patriotic revival in his country. If Sowell happens to be observing the goings-on in Canada, he may well witness the beginnings of a similar revival here in Canada. It is certainly overdue.
Gwyn Morgan is a retired business leader and former director of five global corporations.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
