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MEET TOM SOWELL

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Thomas Sowell is one of the most influential economists of the modern era—a thinker whose work has shaped generations of students, policymakers, and anyone curious about how the world really works. From his sharp insights on markets and incentives to his groundbreaking research on inequality and discrimination, and at the ripe young age of 94, Sowell’s ideas are as relevant today as ever.

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Born to a poor family in segregated North Carolina and raised on the mean streets of Harlem, Sowell’s life is a story of extreme perseverance and excellence. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, he earned degrees from Harvard, Columbia, and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago under the guidance of Milton Friedman.

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Sowell’s brilliance lies in his ability to make the complex simple. His books, such as Basic Economics, The Housing Boom and Bust, and Economic Facts and Fallacies, strip away jargon to deliver clear, actionable insights on how economies work. He tackles big questions—Why do some nations prosper while others struggle? What are the real drivers of inequality?—with precision and a no-nonsense approach that anyone can appreciate.

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For students, Sowell is more than an economist—he’s a guide to thinking critically about the world. His work teaches you how to see through assumptions, analyze incentives, and appreciate the trade-offs that define so much of life. If you’re studying economics, whether for A Levels, IB, or AP, Sowell’s writing is a must. It’s not just about memorizing theories—it’s about learning to think like an economist.

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Thomas Sowell’s legacy isn’t just his books or his ideas—it’s the millions of minds he’s inspired to look at the world with a sharper, clearer lens. If you haven’t read his work yet, consider this your invitation.

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