Thomas Sowell

Thomas Sowell is an accomplished American economist, author, and political commentator. He is known for his writings that often reflect an economically laissez-faire perspective. Currently, he holds the prestigious position of a senior fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. Dr. Sowell’s contributions to the field of economics have been recognized and honored on numerous occasions. In 1990, he received the Francis Boyer Award from the American Enterprise Institute. Later, in 2002, he was bestowed with the National Humanities Medal for his prolific scholarship that expertly blends history, economics, and political science.

Thomas Sowell was born in North Carolina and spent his formative years in Harlem, New York City. His autobiography, “A Personal Odyssey,” provides an account of his early life, including his limited interactions with Caucasians, which led him to be unaware of the existence of “yellow” as a hair color. After facing financial difficulties and a challenging home environment, Sowell dropped out of Stuyvesant High School at the age of 17. He then worked a series of jobs to support himself, including in a machine shop and as a delivery man for Western Union. Following his service in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War, Sowell decided to further his education.

Sowell earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, magna cum laude, from Harvard University. He later received a Master of Arts in Economics from Columbia University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from the University of Chicago. Initially, Sowell enrolled at Columbia University with the intention of studying under George Stigler. However, upon learning that Stigler had moved to the University of Chicago, Sowell transferred there to continue his studies under the esteemed economist.

Throughout his career, Thomas Sowell has shared his expertise in economics by teaching at several prestigious institutions. These include Howard University, Cornell University, Brandeis University, and UCLA. Since 1980, he has been associated with Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, where he currently holds a fellowship named after Rose and Milton Friedman.