Thomas Sowell Recommend this article  My assistant sorts the
incoming mail into various categories, such as "critical mail,"
"fan mail," etc. But the so-called critical mail is seldom
critical. It may be bombastic or vituperative or full of pop
psychology, but it seldom presents a critical argument based on
facts or logic.     Even wacko ideas have led to progress, when
dealt with critically, in terms of logic and evidence. Astrology
led to astronomy. The medieval notion of turning lead into gold
-- alchemy -- led to chemistry, from which have come everything
from a wide range of industrial products and consumer goods to
more productive agriculture and life-saving drugs.     Watch old
newsreels of Hitler and watch the adoring and enraptured look on
the faces in his audience. Then read what he said and see if it
makes any sense whatever. Yet he convinced others -- and himself
-- that he had a great message and a great mission.   The same
could be said of Lenin, of Mao, of Pol Pot, and of countless
other despot