Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Eric Hoffer

Quote by Eric Hoffer

Work

Between the Devil and the Dragon: The Best Essays and Aphorisms of Eric Hoffer

This book compiles a selection of Eric Hoffer's most insightful essays and aphorisms, offering readers a glimpse into his profound thoughts on human nature, society, and the complexities of the world. more

Author

Eric Hoffer
Eric Hoffer

Eric Hoffer was an American philosopher known for his profound insights into human nature. His works often explore society, politics, and human behavior, particularly focusing on the experiences of the underclass. Hoffer came from a German immigrant family and worked in various jobs in California during his youth, including dockworker, cook, and gardener. His first book, 'The Ordeal of Change', was published in 1950 and quickly became a bestseller, gaining him widespread recognition. His other works include 'The Ordeal of Change' and 'The True Believer' among others. more

You May Also Like

“It is easier to love humanity as a whole than to love one's neighbor. ... Some of the worst tyrannies of our day genuinely are "vowed" to the service of mankind, yet can function only by pitting neighbor against neighbor. The all-seeing eye of a totalitarian regime is usually the watchful eye of the next-door neighbor. In a Communist state love of neighbor may be classed as counter-revolutionary.”

MayStatesWholeEyeHumanityNextSeeingDoorsWorstMankindEasierFunctionNeighborTyrannyRevolutionaryCommunistRegimesNext Door NeighborsTotalitarian Regimes
Book:Between the Devil and the Dragon: The Best Essays and Aphorisms of Eric Hoffer
Create image

“The frustrated follow a leader less because of their faith that he is leading them to a promised land than because of their immediate feeling that he is leading them away from their unwanted selves. Surrender to a leader is not a means to an end but a fulfillment. Whither they are led is of secondary importance.”

MeanEndsSelfFeelingsLeaderLandImportanceSurrenderFulfillmentFrustratedUnwantedPromised LandMeans To An End
Book:THE TRUE BELIEVER
Create image

“This food-and-shelter theory concerning man's efforts is without insight. Our most persistent and spectacular efforts are concerned not with the preservation of what we are but with the building up of an imaginary conception of ourselves in the opinion of others. The desire for praise is more imperative than the desire for food and shelter.”

MenDesireEffortOpinionBuildingTheoryConcernedPraiseInsightConceptionImaginaryShelterPreservationPersistentImperativesSpectacularBuilding Up
Author:Eric Hoffer
Create image