The Quest for Cosmic Justice Book Summary

In 'The Quest for Cosmic Justice,' Thomas Sowell challenges the notion of equality and fairness imposed by modern society. He explores the idea that justice is often sacrificed in the pursuit of equality, leading to unintended consequences. Sowell argues that historical and economic contexts shape our understanding of fairness, urging readers to consider the complexities of social issues. With sharp analysis and compelling examples, this thought-provoking work critiques the dogmas of contemporary social movements. Discover how the quest for an unattainable ideal may disrupt the very fabric of justice itself.

By Thomas Sowell

Published: 2002

""Justice cannot be brought about by the coercion of those who are less fortunate; true justice requires a recognition of individual responsibility and the inherent complexities of human nature.""

Book Review of The Quest for Cosmic Justice

This is not a comforting book -- it is a book about disturbing issues that are urgently important today and enduringly critical for the future. It rejects both "merit" and historical redress as principles for guiding public policy. It shows how "peace" movements have led to war and to needless casualties in those wars. It argues that "equality" is neither right nor wrong, but meaningless. The Quest for Cosmic Justice shows how confused conceptions of justice end up promoting injustice, how confused conceptions of equality end up promoting inequality, and how the tyranny of social visions prevents many people from confronting the actual consequences of their own beliefs and policies. Those consequences include the steady and dangerous erosion of the fundamental principles of freedom -- and the quiet repeal of the American revolution.

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"Justice cannot be brought about by the coercion of those who are less fortunate; true justice requires a recognition of individual responsibility and the inherent complexities of human nature."

The Quest for Cosmic Justice

By Thomas Sowell