Sowell argues that the unconstrained vision relies heavily on the belief that human nature is essentially good.

Because of this, they believe that there exist some people who are further along the path of moral development, have overcome self-interest and are immune to the influence of power and therefore can act as surrogate decision-makers for the rest of society.

Those with a constrained vision favor empirical evidence and time-tested structures and processes over intervention and personal experience.

Ultimately, the constrained vision demands checks and balances and refuses to accept that all people could put aside their innate self-interest.

[4] Jonathan Haidt referenced Sowell's work in his book The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion.