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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

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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

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“The weak are not a noble breed. Their sublime deeds of faith, daring, and self-sacrifice usually spring from questionable motives. The weak hate not wickedness but weakness; and one instance of their hatred of weakness is hatred of self. All the passionate pursuits of the weak are in some degree a striving to escape, blur, or disguise an unwanted self. It is a striving shot through with malice, envy, self-deception, and a host of petty impulses; yet it often culminates in superb achievements.”

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Book:The Ordeal of Change
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“Faith, enthusiasm, and passionate intensity in general are substitutes for the self-confidence born of experience and the possession of skill. Where there is the necessary skill to move mountains there is no need for the faith that moves mountains.”

NeedsSelfMovingBornSkillsMountainPassionatePossessionSelf ConfidenceEnthusiasmSubstitutesIntensityMove Mountains
Book:Between the Devil and the Dragon: The Best Essays and Aphorisms of Eric Hoffer
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“We know that words cannot move mountains, but they can move the multitude; and men are more ready to fight and die for a word than for anything else. Words shape thought, stir feeling, and beget action; they kill and revive, corrupt and cure. The "men-of-words"- priests, prophets, intellectuals- have played a more decisive role in history than military leaders, statesmen, and businessmen.”

KnowsMenFeelingsActionMovingDiesFightingLeaderRolesSocietyMilitaryHe ManReadyShapesMountainCuresProphetPriestsMultitudesBusinessmanStatesmenBegetsReviveMove MountainsMilitary Leader
Book:Between the Devil and the Dragon: The Best Essays and Aphorisms of Eric Hoffer
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