Eric Hoffer

Eric Hoffer was an American writer and philosopher, best known for his work on social and political philosophy. He was born on July 25, 1898, and passed away on May 21, 1983. Hoffer is perhaps most famous for his book "The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements" (1951), which explores the psychological and social dynamics behind mass movements and ideologies.

Hoffer’s writings are often associated with existential philosophy and the nature of human behavior, particularly in the context of societal movements and the development of individual identity. Despite having little formal education, his observations about human nature, mass movements, and the individual’s place within society had a profound impact on social and political thought.

His works reflect a keen understanding of the complexities of human psychology, social structures, and political dynamics. Although Hoffer was not a traditional academic philosopher, his insights have had a lasting influence, and he is often regarded as one of the 20th century's notable thinkers.

Articles by the author

We have perhaps a natural fear of ends. We would rather be always on the way than arrive. Given the means, we hang on to them and often forget the ends.

Eric Hoffer

In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.

Eric Hoffer

Our passionate preoccupation with the sky, the stars, and a God somewhere in outer space is a homing impulse. We are drawn back to where we came from.

Eric Hoffer

The savior who wants to turn men into angels is as much a hater of human nature as the totalitarian despot who wants to turn them into puppets.

Eric Hoffer

Someone who thinks the world is always cheating him is right. He is missing that wonderful feeling of trust in someone or something.

Eric Hoffer

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Eric Hoffer

There is no loneliness greater than the loneliness of a failure. The failure is a stranger in his own house.

The fear of becoming a 'has-been' keeps some people from becoming anything.

Children are the keys of paradise.

We have perhaps a natural fear of ends. We would rather be always on the way than arrive. Given the means, we hang on to them and often forget the ends.

In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.

Compassion alone stands apart from the continuous traffic between good and evil proceeding within us.

The only way to predict the future is to have power to shape the future.

The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness.

Disappointment is a sort of bankruptcy - the bankruptcy of a soul that expends too much in hope and expectation.

We do not really feel grateful toward those who make our dreams come true; they ruin our dreams.

We are least open to precise knowledge concerning the things we are most vehement about.

Charlatanism of some degree is indispensable to effective leadership.

It is easier to love humanity as a whole than to love one's neighbor.

Our passionate preoccupation with the sky, the stars, and a God somewhere in outer space is a homing impulse. We are drawn back to where we came from.

The savior who wants to turn men into angels is as much a hater of human nature as the totalitarian despot who wants to turn them into puppets.

Rudeness is a weak imitation of strength.

It is the malady of our age that the young are so busy teaching us that they have no time left to learn.

Creativity is the ability to introduce order into the randomness of nature.

The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.

Someone who thinks the world is always cheating him is right. He is missing that wonderful feeling of trust in someone or something.