The Passionate State of Mind:
And Other Aphorisms
by Eric Hoffer
"Every intense desire is perhaps basically a desire to be different from what we are." - Eric Hoffer
This book is characterized by its concise and impactful statements. Each aphorism is a nugget of wisdom, often challenging conventional thinking and offering fresh perspectives on familiar themes. This format makes it a book that can be savored slowly, with each sentence prompting reflection. Hoffer's aphorisms are not always comforting or predictable. He often presents paradoxes and challenges readers to question their assumptions about themselves and the world around them.
One of the main themes, as the title implies, is how emotions, especially strong ones like passion, love, hate, fear, and vanity, influence both individual behavior and large-scale movements. Hoffer investigates the causes, expressions, and effects of these.
Hoffer's strength is his capacity to condense difficult concepts into straightforward but impactful assertions. He makes observations on a wide range of subjects, such as self-worth, leadership, creativity, social change, and the nature of belief, based on his extensive reading and firsthand experiences as a longshoreman.
Even though "The Passionate State of Mind" was written decades ago, its insights are still relevant today. His insights on the dynamics of social unrest, the pursuit of belonging, and fanaticism are still remarkably applicable today.
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