Eric Hoffer

It is the awareness of unfulfilled desires which gives a nation the feeling that it has a mission and a read more

It is the awareness of unfulfilled desires which gives a nation the feeling that it has a mission and a destiny.

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.

A society that refuses to strive for superfluities is likely to end up lacking in necessities.

A society that refuses to strive for superfluities is likely to end up lacking in necessities.

Where freedom is real, equality is the passion of the masses. Where equality is real, freedom is the passion of read more

Where freedom is real, equality is the passion of the masses. Where equality is real, freedom is the passion of a small minority.

Despair and misery are static factors. The dynamism of an uprising flows from hope and pride. Not actual suffering but read more

Despair and misery are static factors. The dynamism of an uprising flows from hope and pride. Not actual suffering but the hope of better things incites people to revolt.