Eric Hoffer ( 10 of 253 )
To believe that if we could but have this or that we would be happy is to suppress the realization read more
To believe that if we could but have this or that we would be happy is to suppress the realization that the cause of our unhappiness is in our inadequate and blemished selves. Excessive desire is thus a means of suppressing our sense of worthlessness.
The unpredictability inherent in human affairs is due largely to the fact that the by-products of a human process are read more
The unpredictability inherent in human affairs is due largely to the fact that the by-products of a human process are more fateful than the product.
Self-righteousness is a manifestation of self-contempt.
Self-righteousness is a manifestation of self-contempt.
There is a guilty conscience behind every brazen word and act and behind every manifestation of self-righteousness.
There is a guilty conscience behind every brazen word and act and behind every manifestation of self-righteousness.
The leader has to be practical and a realist, yet must talk the language of the visionary and the idealist.
The leader has to be practical and a realist, yet must talk the language of the visionary and the idealist.
It is easier to love humanity than to love your neighbor.
It is easier to love humanity than to love your neighbor.
Unlike the pattern which seems to prevail in the rest of life, in the human species the weak not only read more
Unlike the pattern which seems to prevail in the rest of life, in the human species the weak not only survive but often triumph over the strong. The self-hatred inherent in the weak unlocks energies far more formidable then those mobilized by an ordinary struggle for existence.
The awareness of their individual blemishes and shortcomings inclines the frustrated to detect ill will and meanness in their fellow read more
The awareness of their individual blemishes and shortcomings inclines the frustrated to detect ill will and meanness in their fellow men. Self-contempt, however vague, sharpens our eyes for the imperfections of others. We usually strive to reveal in others the blemishes we hide in ourselves.
It is doubtful if the oppressed ever fight for freedom. They fight for pride and power- power to oppress others. read more
It is doubtful if the oppressed ever fight for freedom. They fight for pride and power- power to oppress others. The oppressed want above all to imitate their oppressors; they want to retaliate.
In man's life, the absence of an essential component usually leads to the adoption of a substitute. The substitute is read more
In man's life, the absence of an essential component usually leads to the adoption of a substitute. The substitute is usually embraced with vehemence and extremism, for we have to convince ourselves that what we took as second choice is the best there ever was. Thus blind faith is to a considerable extent a substitute for the lost faith in ourselves; insatiable desire a substitute for hope; accumulation a substitute for growth; fervent hustling a substitute for purposeful action; and pride a substitute for an unattainable self-respect.
