Economist Thomas Sowell, 95, Celebrated at Stanford Hoover Institution Conference

Steven Pinker, a prominent cognitive psychologist, recently attended a two-day conference at Stanford's Hoover Institution dedicated to honoring economist Thomas Sowell. Following the event, Pinker shared he had lunch with Sowell, noting the nonagenarian "going strong at 95." The gathering at the esteemed think tank underscored Sowell's enduring legacy and continued intellectual presence.

Thomas Sowell, born June 30, 1930, is a distinguished American economist, social theorist, and author, currently serving as the Rose and Milton Friedman Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the Hoover Institution. His prolific career spans decades, marked by numerous books and syndicated columns exploring economics, history, and social policy. Sowell's work has significantly influenced conservative thought and public discourse.

The conference at Stanford served as a tribute to Sowell's profound contributions to economic and social understanding. Steven Pinker, a renowned intellectual himself, highlighted the personal connection, stating: > "After a 2-day conference at Stanford's Hoover Institution honoring my friend, the economist Thomas Sowell, I was fortunate to have lunch with Tom, going strong at 95!" This interaction emphasizes Sowell's continued engagement and vitality despite his advanced age.

Even after retiring from his syndicated column in 2016, Sowell remains an active and influential voice within intellectual circles, particularly at the Hoover Institution. His extensive body of work, which includes over 40 books such as "Basic Economics" and "Knowledge and Decisions," continues to be studied and debated globally. His analyses consistently advocate for empirical evidence over ideological assumptions, shaping discussions on race, economics, and social policy.

The Hoover Institution, a prominent public policy think tank, has long been Sowell's intellectual home, providing a platform for his research and writings. Hosting a conference in his honor underscores the institution's recognition of his profound and lasting contributions to public policy discourse. This celebration at Stanford highlights not only Sowell's personal longevity but also the enduring power of his ideas in contemporary thought.