Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Thomas Sowell

Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution | Economist | Renowned Author & Social Theorist on Economics, Education, & Public Policy

Thomas Sowell Speaking Fee: $50,000 to $75,000

Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution | Economist | Renowned Author & Social Theorist on Economics, Education, & Public Policy

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Thomas Sowell
Speaking Fee:
$50,000 to $75,000

Travels From:
SJC - San Jose, CA

Primary Topic Category:
Economy

Secondary Topic Category:
Education

 

Thomas Sowell Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Thomas Sowell is an American economist, social theorist, and political commentator known for his work at the Hoover Institution, where he is the Rose and Milton Friedman Senior Fellow on Public Policy. Born in 1930 in North Carolina, Sowell grew up in Harlem and overcame numerous challenges to earn degrees from Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Chicago. He has written over 45 books on topics ranging from economics to social policy and has been a prominent voice in the American conservative movement.

Thomas Sowell was born on June 30, 1930, in Gastonia, North Carolina, and raised in Harlem, New York. Despite the hardships of growing up in a poor family, Sowell’s early exposure to the Harlem library ignited his passion for learning. He dropped out of high school but later served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, which provided him with opportunities for further education. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Harvard University, followed by a master’s from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago. Sowell’s academic career included teaching positions at institutions such as Cornell University, Rutgers University, and the University of California, Los Angeles. In 1980, he joined the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, where he has remained a senior fellow. His scholarly work spans a wide range of subjects, including economic history, social policy, and the impact of government interventions. Sowell is particularly noted for his critical views on affirmative action, minimum wage laws, and welfare policies. Throughout his career, Sowell has been an influential figure in conservative circles, impacting both public opinion and policy. He has authored more than 45 books and numerous articles, and his syndicated columns have appeared in over 150 newspapers. Sowell’s clear writing style and empirical approach have made complex economic and social issues accessible to a broad audience, earning him numerous accolades, including the National Humanities Medal in 2002. Sowell continues to be a prolific writer and commentator, contributing to the discourse on economics, race, and public policy well into his 90s. His latest works and ongoing research reflect his enduring commitment to exploring and explaining the intricacies of societal structures and their impact on individuals and communities.
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