The True Believer: Review and Summary Notes
The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements by Eric Hoffer
Review
This book gives a typology and summary of what motivates people to join mass movements.
The burning conviction that we have a holy duty toward others is often a way of attaching our drowning selves to a passing raft. What looks like giving a hand is often a holding on for dear life. Take away our holy duties and you leave our lives puny and meaningless. 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.