Eric Hoffer ( 10 of 253 )
There is apparently no surer way of turning a thing into its opposite than by exaggerating it
There is apparently no surer way of turning a thing into its opposite than by exaggerating it
Every era has a currency that buys souls. In some the currency is pride, in others it is hope, in read more
Every era has a currency that buys souls. In some the currency is pride, in others it is hope, in still others it is a holy cause. There are of course times when hard cash will buy souls, and the remarkable thing is that such times are marked by civility, tolerance, and the smooth working of everyday life.
What are we when we are alone? Some, when they are alone, cease to exist.
What are we when we are alone? Some, when they are alone, cease to exist.
The wise learn from the experience of others, and the creative know how to make a crumb of experience go read more
The wise learn from the experience of others, and the creative know how to make a crumb of experience go a long way.
There is a close connection between lack of confidence and the passionate state of mind...
There is a close connection between lack of confidence and the passionate state of mind...
When we are in competition with ourselves, and match our todays against our yesterdays, we derive encouragement from past misfortunes read more
When we are in competition with ourselves, and match our todays against our yesterdays, we derive encouragement from past misfortunes and blemishes. Moreover, the competition with ourselves leaves unimpaired our benevolence toward our fellow men.
Where there is the necessary technical skill to move mountains, there is no need for the faith that moves mountains.
Where there is the necessary technical skill to move mountains, there is no need for the faith that moves mountains.
Propaganda...serves more to justify ourselves than to convince others; and the more reason we have to feel guilty, the more read more
Propaganda...serves more to justify ourselves than to convince others; and the more reason we have to feel guilty, the more fervent our propaganda.
Nature attains perfection, but man never does. There is a perfect ant, a perfect bee, but man is perpetually unfinished. read more
Nature attains perfection, but man never does. There is a perfect ant, a perfect bee, but man is perpetually unfinished. He is both an unfinished animal and an unfinished man. It is this incurable unfinishedness which sets man apart from other living things. For, in the attempt to finish himself, man becomes a creator. Moreover, the incurable unfinishedness keeps man perpetually immature, perpetually capable of learning and growing.
They who lack talent expect things to happen without effort. They ascribe failure to a lack of inspiration or ability, read more
They who lack talent expect things to happen without effort. They ascribe failure to a lack of inspiration or ability, or to misfortune, rather than to insufficient application. At the core of every true talent there is an awareness of the difficulties inherent in any achievement, and the confidence that by persistence and patience something worthwhile will be realized. Thus talent is a species of vigor.
