The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements

by Hoffer, Eric

• ISBN13: 9780060505912
• ISBN10: 0060505915
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780062029355
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780060916121
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-12-21
• Publisher: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
• More Book Details

About This Book

The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements

ISBN: 9780060505912

The True Believer is a seminal work by Eric Hoffer, a legendary San Francisco longshoreman who wrote philosophical treatises in his spare time. This book, first published in 1951, has been a bestseller for decades and remains a crucial resource for understanding mass movements and political fanaticism.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in social psychology, sociology, and political science courses at the college and university levels. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of mass movements and the psychology of fanatics.

History and Editions

The first edition of The True Believer was published in 1951, and it has since become a classic in the field of social psychology. The revised edition, published in 2009, includes updated insights and perspectives that continue to resonate with readers today. This book has been widely praised for its concise and brilliant analysis of what drives the mind of the fanatic and the dynamics of mass movements.

Author and Other Works

Eric Hoffer was a self-taught philosopher who rose to prominence with The True Believer. He continued to write influential works, including The Passionate State of Mind and The Temper of Our Time. Hoffer's unique perspective, shaped by his experiences as a longshoreman, brought a distinctive voice to the world of philosophy and social commentary.

Key Features

• Insight into Fanaticism: The book offers a profound analysis of political fanaticism, exploring the psychological and sociological factors that drive individuals to extreme beliefs.
• Relevance Today: Despite being written over 70 years ago, The True Believer remains highly relevant in today's world, providing insights into contemporary social and political phenomena.
• Accessible Writing Style: Hoffer's writing is known for its clarity and simplicity, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to a broad audience.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780060505912 (The ebook for "The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements" is available right here on eCampus.com!)
• eBook: ISBN-13: 9780060505912 (The ebook for "The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements" is available right here on eCampus.com!)
• eBook: ISBN-13: 9780060505912 (The ebook for "The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements" is available right here on eCampus.com!)
• Other Editions: The book is available in various formats, including paperback and e-book, ensuring that students can access it in the format that best suits their needs.

Publication Details

• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Publication Date: January 19, 2010
• Number of Pages: 192
• Language: English

Rental Options

Rental options are available through eCampus.com with various rental durations, making it easy for students to access this essential resource without the long-term commitment of purchasing.

Related ISBNs

9780060505912

9780060505915

0060505915

Note: The above ISBNs are accurate and correspond to the various formats and editions of The True Believer.

Author Biography

Eric Hoffer (1902-1983) was self-educated. He worked in restaurants, as a migrant field-worker, and as a gold prospector. After Pearl Harbor, he worked as a longshoreman in San Francisco for twenty-five years. The author of more than ten books, including The Passionate State of Mind. The Ordeal of Change, and The Temper of Our Time, Eric Hoffer was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983

Table of Contents

Preface	p. xi
The Appeal of Mass Movements
The Desire for Change	p. 3
The Desire for Substitutes	p. 12
The Interchangeability of Mass Movements	p. 16
The Potential Converts
The Role of the Undesirables in Human Affairs	p. 24
The Poor	p. 26
The New Poor	p. 26
The Abjectly Poor	p. 27
The Free Poor	p. 31
The Creative Poor	p. 34
The Unified Poor	p. 34
Misfits	p. 46
The Inordinately Selfish	p. 48
The Ambitious Facing Unlimited Opportunities	p. 49
Minorities	p. 50
The Bored	p. 51
The Sinners	p. 53
United Action and Self-sacrifice
Preface	p. 58
Factors Promoting Self-sacrifice	p. 62
Identification with a Collective Whole	p. 62
Make-believe	p. 66
Deprecation of the Present	p. 68
"Things Which Are Not"	p. 76
Doctrine	p. 79
Fanaticism	p. 83
Mass Movements and Armies	p. 88
Unifying Agents	p. 91
Hatred	p. 91
Imitation	p. 101
Persuasion and Coercion	p. 105
Leadership	p. 111
Action	p. 120
Suspicion	p. 124
The Effects of Unification	p. 126
Beginning and End
Men of Words	p. 130
The Fanatics	p. 143
The Practical Men of Action	p. 147
Good and Bad Mass Movements	p. 153
The Unattractiveness and Sterility of the Active Phase	p. 153
Some Factors Which Determine the Length of the Active Phase	p. 157
Useful Mass Movements	p. 162
Notes	p. 169
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.