Book description
In this classic work, Thomas Sowell analyzes the two competing visions that shape our debates about the nature of reason, justice, equality, and power: the constrained" vision, which sees human nature as unchanging and selfish, and the unconstrained" vision, in which human nature is malleable and perfectible. He describes howā¦
Why read it?
3 authors picked A Conflict of Visions as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Liberals and conservatives strongly disagree on the appropriate scope of government. No book has helped me understand why more than Thomas SowellāsĀ Conflict of Visions.
He describes how the ideological difference results from disagreements about the malleability of human nature. TheĀ unconstrainedĀ vision, typically associated with liberals,Ā sees human nature as altruistic and perfectible. The government should be used expansively to promote social justice and equality to realize this vision.Ā
In contrast, theĀ constrainedĀ vision, typically associated with conservatives, seesĀ human nature as limited, selfish, and imperfectible.Ā The government should play a limited role in society, as elites cannot hopeā¦
From John's list on explaining political polarization.
I have learned as much from conservative authors as I have from writers who share my ideological predispositions.
In his classic book, economist Thomas Sowell seeks to answer the question of why we are so divided on a number of political issues.
Sowell outlines two competing visions that underlie most controversial areas of public policy ā one that is āconstrainedā by history, tradition, and a skeptical view of human nature and another āunconstrainedā by limits and thus malleable and perfectible.
In addition to being fascinating philosophically, the book is very useful challenge for those who are most confident in theā¦
From Aubrey's list on how government works in practice ā and when it doesnāt.
I have learned as much from conservative authors as I have from writers who share my ideological predispositions.
In his classic book, economist Thomas Sowell seeks to answer the question of why we are so divided on a number of political issues.
Sowell outlines two competing visions that underlie most controversial areas of public policy ā one that is āconstrainedā by history, tradition, and a skeptical view of human nature and another āunconstrainedā by limits and thus malleable and perfectible.
In addition to being fascinating philosophically, the book is very useful challenge for those who are most confident in theā¦
From Aubrey's list on how government works in practice and when it doesnāt.
If you love A Conflict of Visions...
The High House
The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.
The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.
Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn theā¦
Want books like A Conflict of Visions?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like A Conflict of Visions.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,210
readers submitted
so far, will you?
š If you like A Conflict of Visions, you might also like...
Aggressor
It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.
The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to runā¦
The Duke's Christmas Redemption
A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.
Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man sheā¦
