

#1542
Mentioned in 19 episodes
A conflict of visions
Book • 1987
In this book, Thomas Sowell explores the fundamental differences in visions of human nature that underlie many political and ideological disputes.
He identifies two primary visions: the 'constrained' vision, which sees human nature as inherently self-centered and limited by systemic processes, and the 'unconstrained' vision, which views human nature as malleable and perfectible through societal intervention.
Sowell argues that these visions shape opinions on a wide range of issues, from justice and equality to power and social institutions.
The book blends history, economics, philosophy, and law to provide a comprehensive understanding of these conflicting visions and their implications for political thought and action.
He identifies two primary visions: the 'constrained' vision, which sees human nature as inherently self-centered and limited by systemic processes, and the 'unconstrained' vision, which views human nature as malleable and perfectible through societal intervention.
Sowell argues that these visions shape opinions on a wide range of issues, from justice and equality to power and social institutions.
The book blends history, economics, philosophy, and law to provide a comprehensive understanding of these conflicting visions and their implications for political thought and action.
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Mentioned in 19 episodes
Mentioned by Jordan Peterson as outlining two classes of visions of the future: unconstrained and constrained.

265 snips
515. Ethics, Power, and Progress: Shaping AI for a Better Tomorrow | Marc Andreessen
Mentioned by 

as a helpful book for understanding conflicting viewpoints.


Tobias Lütke

264 snips
Scaling Shopify: Tobias Lütke and Ben Horowitz on Building a Global Giant
Mentioned by 

to highlight the tragic view of human nature, arguing inherent constraints limit problem-solving.


Paul Bloom

150 snips
Nature vs. Nurture (with Paul Bloom)
Mentioned for his concept of the "open vision" of the world, which is central to the modernist worldview.

148 snips
Understanding Modern Civilization
Mentioned by 

as part of his book recommendations.


Marc Andreessen

99 snips
120 - Marc Andreessen & Chris Dixon of a16z | Reinventing the Internet
Mentioned by Tobi Lutke as a recently read book that provided insightful perspectives on political conversations.

96 snips
Tobi Lütke on Creating Shopify for Americans as a German in Canada
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as one of the most important books of the 20th century, discussing the clash between constrained and unconstrained worldviews.

Albert Mohler

45 snips
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

, referring to Sowell's work to grand scheme of things and realizing that it's a conflict of visions.

Clifton Duncan

41 snips
John McWhorter & Clifton Duncan – Becoming Thomas Sowell
Mentioned by 

as a book he is reading.


Glenn Loury

39 snips
Cornel West – The Black Intellectual in a Declining Empire
Mentioned by 

as the author of "A Conflict of Visions", highlighting his insights on differing worldviews.


Peter Boettke

31 snips
Who Won the Socialist Calculation Debate (with Peter Boettke)
Mentioned by 

when discussing trade-offs.


Michael Shermer

24 snips
The True Cost of Conviction
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in relation to Sowell's concept of constrained versus unconstrained visions in political ideologies.

Arnold Brooks

20 snips
Plato's Republic (Robin Hanson & Agnes Callard, with Arnold Brooks)
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as a way to understand where Thomas Sowell is coming from on ethnicity, race, and migrations.

Jason Riley

19 snips
Jason Riley – Thomas Sowell's Path from Marx to Hayek
Von ![undefined]()

erwähnt im Zusammenhang mit Sowells Auseinandersetzung mit unterschiedlichen Weltanschauungen.

Michael Henkel

14 snips
»Libertär? Der Denker Thomas Sowell« - Michael Henkel auf den Studientagen im Winter 2025
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book that offers a different perspective on the fundamental divide between conservatives and liberals.

Sean DeMars

13 snips
The Children's Rights Interview
Mentioned by 

in the context of the constrained and unconstrained visions of human nature.


Nick Gillespie

Michael Shermer: Conspiracy Thinking, Wokeness, and the Future of Free Thought
Mentioned by 

when discussing books on Marc Andreessen's recommendation list.


Ryan Sean Adams

ROLLUP: OpenSea Arrest | Optimism OP Airdrop | Kanye West NFTs | OpenSea Arrest | Solana Halted | ETH 2.0 Merge | Velodrome
Recommended by 

as a book about how ideologies take shape and come into being.


Amit Varma

Ep 107: What These Labels Mean
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book that explores different mindsets regarding human potential and problem-solving.

Andrew Weiss

The Power Hour | Talking Energy Policy with Andrew Weiss and Austin Gae
Referenced by 

when discussing the constrained vision of the conservative side.


Peter Boghossian

Markets vs. National Interest: Why the Old Order is CRUMBLING w/ Ralph Schoellhammer