Eric Hoffer (July 25, 1902 – May 21, 1983) was an American social writer. He was the author of ten books and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in February 1983. His first book, The True Believer, published in 1951, was widely recognized as a classic, receiving critical acclaim from both scholars and laymen, although Hoffer believed that his book The Ordeal of Change was his finest work. In 2001, the Eric Hoffer Award was established in his honor with permission granted by the Eric Hoffer Estate in 2005.
Read more about Eric Hoffer: Biography, Working Class Roots, On The Nature and Origins of Mass Movements, Views and Opinions, Hoffer's Papers, Published Works, Interviews, Awards and Recognition
Famous quotes by eric hoffer:
“The prehuman creature from which man evolved was unlike any other living thing in its malicious viciousness toward its own kind.... Humanization was not a leap forward but a groping toward survival.”
—Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)
“Nationalist pride, like other variants of pride, can be a substitute for self-respect.”
—Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)
“Compassion is the antitoxin of the soul: where there is compassion even the most poisonous impulses remain relatively harmless.”
—Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)
“When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other.”
—Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)
“Our passionate preoccupation with the sky, the stars, and a God somewhere in outer space is a homing impulse. We are drawn back to where we came from.”
—Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)