Eric Hoffer, The True Believer, Quotes

A collection of quotes by Eric Hoffer, The True Believer, .

Eric Hoffer was an American social philosopher and writer, best known for his influential book "The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements." He was born on July 25, 1902, in The Bronx, New York City. Hoffer's early life is somewhat shrouded in mystery, as he intentionally kept many details of his personal life hidden. Consequently, not much is known about his family or upbringing.

Throughout his life, Hoffer held various odd jobs, including being a migrant worker, gold prospector, and longshoreman. It was during his time working on the docks in San Francisco that he began writing seriously and eventually gained recognition as a writer. In 1951, Hoffer published his seminal work, "The True Believer," which explored the psychological factors that motivate individuals to join mass movements and embrace extremist ideologies.

Thanks to its insightful analysis and compelling prose, "The True Believer" became an instant success and garnered widespread acclaim. Its profound reflections on fanaticism, mass psychology, and the nature of social and political movements have since made it a classic in the field of social sciences.

Hoffer continued to write and publish a number of other books and articles, including "The Ordeal of Change," "The Temper of Our Time," and "The Passionate State of Mind." He received several honors for his contributions to American intellectual thought before his death on May 21, 1983, in San Francisco, California.