by Eric Hoffer
First published 2002
What drives ordinary people to join revolutionary causes, religious crusades, and nationalist campaigns? Eric Hoffer examines the shared traits of mass movements across history, revealing the psychological forces that compel individuals to sacrifice personal identity for collective purpose. He investigates how these movements attract followers, foster unwavering loyalty, and exercise control over their adherents. Drawing from fascist regimes, communist revolutions, and religious fundamentalism, Hoffer demonstrates his analysis through concrete historical examples. He contends that mass movements most powerfully attract those experiencing personal frustration who hunger for meaning through group belonging. The book illuminates the inner workings of fanaticism and reveals which social conditions leave populations susceptible to extremist appeals.
Genres: history, philosophy, psychology, social-science, non-fiction, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: social-commentary
Period: 20th-Century
177 pages · Paperback · Harper Perennial Modern Classics