The book is a perfect example of confirmation bias, as the author starts with a conclusion and gives cherry-picked facts to support it. Indeed, what he calls facts are actual facts, but one should think critically of them. If I formulate a hypothesis that the sun revolves around the earth then I can state the supportive observation that the sun moves across in the sky, certainly a fact. We obviously know that my original hypothesis is wrong but I use this example because this book is littered with similar ones. As a scientist, this flawed method of analysis is my biggest pet peeve in people. It tends to lead to two fallacies that are used in this book: using anecdotes as evidence and using facts as knowledge.

The notion that a culture was transplanted from Scotland to blacks in the American south had promise but fell flat because of the above. Consequently, be careful, because the author is excellent at convincing people that he employs an unbiased approach to his inquiry. It's subtle to see his trickery masquerading as objectivity but it's there. When you read the book I recommend that one pays attention to the vector employed by the author: conclusion (although he would claim hypothesis) to facts rather than facts to conclusion. You can observe in other reviews people who fell for his masterfully subtle sleight of hand with lots of back slapping and claims that the book reinforced what they already knew.

One of the more interesting and thought provoking books I’ve read. Obviously Sowell’s views on history and race are not comprehensive or perfect, but they were novel for me and seemed to carry some real explanatory power. Very Booker T-esque. While there is much about this book I could bicker with, the fact remains that it was the first time I’ve actually heard a new idea from a race-related book in a minute. Not within the white fragility echo-chamber, that much is for sure.

Once again Thomas Sowell writes the facts without fear of reprisal. I do often wonder what would be the toll on the career of some other writer of a different tone and more so wonder why our government our elected politicians have not worked with Dr. Sowell to set policy to help bring our standards up. Perhaps in the form of a text would could have a broader and greater impact.

Do not rising tides lift all boats. Well yes, but one must pay attention to the times and the tide.

Being extra careful and unaware of the fixed docks securely tied my boat a beautiful Maxum 2400SC3 Sport boat with cuddy cabin and L-shaped 11 passenger seating weighing in dry at well over 5,000 lbs appropriately named “Sanctuary”; an expensive but most treasured gift to myself from years of hard labor and unpleasant travel.

When the tide went out my boat was left hanging, twisting, cracking the solid wooden dock pulling it and surrounding items down. When the tide came in it was not long before my boat rose leveling the matching special blue ropes; a gift from my mother. Inevitably as the surround boats rose even higher mine was restricted pulling those premium ropes, ripping the cleats from the damaged docks, smashing my Sanctuary and causing significant damage to the surrounding boats and structures.

If only I could have gotten the messages I could have asked them to be kind enough to release my ropes. The Marina owner or passerby’s could have loosening the lines stopping the damage before it started. Being from a water town, I was used to floating docks that rise and fall with the tides, yet here they knew I was different so they watched and waited for what I did not notice. They welcomed their own personal damage and that of their patrons to use me as example of what I still do not know, then of course a huge insurance claim followed. Did they not realize we all pay into the insurance pot. That by not taking the initiative in loosing the ropes was hurting everyone. Making an insurance claim, raises the rates of not only those in the Marina, but all boaters. The educated realized this immediately and moved their boats to a different Marina, they could see the damage ignorance and bad intent can cause, that one with oversight can negatively affect everyone, that no boats would be safe in that Marina.

How long can people stand by when the facts are presented so honestly and forthrightly, how long can the facts continue to be ignored. At what point will all of us fellow boaters turn to help each other so all of our boats remain safe as we rise and fall with the times. Thomas Sowell throughout his life has expertly presented the data. It is past time for the "Special" programs; Special Funding, Special Food, Special Housing, Special Education, Special Schools, Special Districts, Special Everything to end. You will not find Equal Anything not even Opportunity in “Special” but just another form of servitude.

We all know that the calf fed the milk and not allowed to run on its own merits will be the first slaughterd for its tender unused life; Is it not the vulnerable that is the first food of the savages.

It's hard to describe my thoughts on this book. Part of me wants to be offended when he refers to "cracker culture," but then I realize just how much sense he makes and how true it all is. I can't say much on the book without spoiling it, but I will say that if you think yourself an expert on ethnic sociology, anthropology, or ethnic history, and haven't even read one book by Sowell on these topics, then you're kidding yourself, and possibly doing every one else a great disservice when you speak authoritatively on these matters.