Appeals Quote by Thomas Sowell
“The charge is often made against the intelligentsia and other members of the anointed that their theories and the policies based on them lack common sense. But the very commonness of common sense makes it unlikely to have any appeal to the anointed. How can they be wiser and nobler than everyone else while agreeing with everyone else?”
About This Quote
Source Book: Basic Economics, Thomas Sowell, 2000
Intelligentsia claim expertise while dismissing common sense, yet common sense is ubiquitous, making their claim of superiority contradictory.
In simple terms: Experts claim superiority yet ignore everyday logic.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions of elite expertise.
Themes
elitism
common sense
intellectual humility
Mood
skeptical
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- education reform
- public discourse
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
sociology
epistemology
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How can expertise be balanced with everyday wisdom?
- What are the risks of dismissing common sense?
A Different Perspective
Elite claims may overlook practical insights from broader experience.
