Eric Hoffer

Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength

Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength

Thought is a process of exaggeration. The refusal to exaggerate is not infrequently an alibi for the disinclination to think read more

Thought is a process of exaggeration. The refusal to exaggerate is not infrequently an alibi for the disinclination to think or praise.

Naivete in grownups is often charming; but when coupled with vanity it is indistinguishable from stupidity.

Naivete in grownups is often charming; but when coupled with vanity it is indistinguishable from stupidity.

The short-lived self, teetering on the edge of extinction, is the only thing that can ever really matter.

The short-lived self, teetering on the edge of extinction, is the only thing that can ever really matter.

To ripen a person for self-sacrifice he must be stripped of his individual identity and distinctness. He must cease to read more

To ripen a person for self-sacrifice he must be stripped of his individual identity and distinctness. He must cease to be George, Hans, Ivan or Tadao- a human atom with an existence bounded by birth and death. The most drastic way to achieve this end is by complete assimilation of the individual into a collective body. The fully assimilated individual does not see himself and others as human beings. When asked who he is, his automatic response is that he is a German, a Russian, a Japanese, a Christian, a Moslem, a member of a certain tribe or family. He has no purpose, worth and destiny apart from his collective body; and as long as that body lives he cannot really die.