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:
“Man is the only creature that strives to surpass himself, and yearns for the impossible.”
—Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)
“No matter what our achievements might be, we think well of ourselves only in rare moments. We need people to bear witness against our inner judge, who keeps book on our shortcomings and transgressions. We need people to convince us that we are not as bad as we think we are.”
—Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)
“When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other.”
—Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)
“We used to think that revolutions are the cause of change. Actually it is the other way around: change prepares the ground for revolution.”
—Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)
“One of the marks of a truly vigorous society is the ability to dispense with passion as a midwife of action—the ability to pass directly from thought to action.”
—Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)