Eric Hoffer
Eric Hoffer: The Longshoreman Philosopher
Full Name and Common Aliases
Eric Hoffer, often referred to as the "Longshoreman Philosopher," was a self-educated American social writer and philosopher. Despite his lack of formal education, Hoffer's insights into mass movements and the nature of fanaticism have earned him a lasting place in the annals of American thought.
Birth and Death Dates
Eric Hoffer was born on July 25, 1902, and passed away on May 21, 1983. His life spanned a period of significant social and political change, which deeply influenced his work.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Hoffer was an American by nationality. He worked primarily as a longshoreman, a profession that provided him with a unique perspective on the working class and the dynamics of society. In addition to his manual labor, Hoffer was a prolific writer and philosopher, contributing significantly to the field of social psychology.
Early Life and Background
Eric Hoffer's early life was marked by hardship and adversity. Born in the Bronx, New York City, to German immigrant parents, Hoffer faced a series of personal challenges from a young age. At the age of seven, he lost his mother, and shortly thereafter, he mysteriously went blind. This blindness lasted until he was fifteen, when his sight inexplicably returned. Fearing the loss of his vision again, Hoffer became an avid reader, devouring books on a wide range of subjects.
After his father's death, Hoffer moved to Los Angeles, where he lived a transient life, working odd jobs and experiencing the Great Depression firsthand. This period of his life exposed him to the struggles of the working class, shaping his understanding of human nature and society.
Major Accomplishments
Eric Hoffer's major accomplishments lie in his contributions to social philosophy and his ability to articulate the psychological underpinnings of mass movements. His most notable work, "The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements," published in 1951, established him as a significant thinker. In this book, Hoffer explored the characteristics of fanaticism and the psychological motivations behind mass movements, offering insights that remain relevant today.
Hoffer's ability to distill complex ideas into accessible prose earned him widespread acclaim. Despite his lack of formal education, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983, recognizing his contributions to American thought and culture.
Notable Works or Actions
"The True Believer" is undoubtedly Hoffer's most famous work, but he authored several other influential books, including "The Ordeal of Change" and "The Passionate State of Mind." These works further explored themes of change, individualism, and the human condition.
Hoffer's writing was characterized by its clarity and directness, qualities that made his ideas accessible to a broad audience. His ability to connect with readers from diverse backgrounds contributed to his enduring popularity.
Impact and Legacy
Eric Hoffer's impact on social philosophy and psychology is profound. His exploration of the nature of fanaticism and mass movements has influenced scholars, political leaders, and thinkers across the globe. Hoffer's insights into the psychological motivations behind collective behavior continue to be relevant in understanding contemporary social and political phenomena.
Hoffer's legacy is also marked by his unique position as a self-taught philosopher who emerged from the working class. His life story serves as an inspiration to those who seek knowledge and understanding outside traditional academic pathways.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Eric Hoffer is widely quoted and remembered for his incisive observations on human nature and society. His ability to articulate the psychological forces driving mass movements and fanaticism has made his work a touchstone for those seeking to understand the complexities of human behavior.
Hoffer's quotes often capture profound truths in simple language, making them accessible and memorable. His insights into the nature of change, the role of the individual in society, and the dynamics of power and belief resonate with readers across generations.
In a world where mass movements and ideological fervor continue to shape the political landscape, Hoffer's work remains a vital resource for understanding the forces that drive human behavior. His legacy as the "Longshoreman Philosopher" endures, reminding us of the power of ideas to transcend social and educational boundaries.
Quotes by Eric Hoffer
Eric Hoffer's insights on:
When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other. Originality is deliberate and forced, and partakes of the nature of a protest.
The feeling of being hurried is not usually the result of living a full life and having no time. It is, rather, born of a vague fear that we are wasting our life.
The self-styled intellectual who is impotent with pen and ink hungers to write history with sword and blood.
No matter how noble the objectives of a government. If it blurs decency and kindness, cheapens human life, and breeds ill will and suspicion, it is an evil government.
The savior who wants to turn men into angels is as much a hater of human nature as the totalitarian despot who wants to turn them into puppets.
There is no doubt that in exchanging a self-centered for a selfless life we gain enormously in self-esteem. The vanity of the selfless, even those who practice utmost humility, is boundless.
Our passionate preoccupation with the sky, the stars, and a God some where in outer space is a homing impulse. We are drawn back to where we came from.
We are more ready to try the untried when what we do is inconsequential. Hence the fact that many inventions had their birth as toys.
The necessary has never been man s top priority.The passionate pursuit of the nonessential and the extravagant is one of the chief traits of human uniqueness.