Eric Hoffer Biography
| Occup. | Writer |
| From | USA |
| Born | July 25, 1902
New York City, New York, USA |
| Died | May 21, 1983
San Francisco, California, USA |
| Aged | 80 years |
Eric Hoffer was a renowned American social philosopher who was born in 1902 in New York City. He was of humble origin, and his parents were German immigrants who could not speak English. Hoffer's father died when he was seven years old, and his mother abandoned him when he was fifteen years old. Thus, he spent his early years as an itinerant laborer, working at odd jobs and traveling from state to state.
Hoffer's life took a dramatic turn in 1943 when he published his first book, "The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements". The book was an instant classic and became a bestseller in the US and Europe. It explored the psychology of mass movements and why people are attracted to them. Hoffer argued that mass movements fulfill a fundamental need in individuals for identity, certainty, and a sense of belonging. He went on to write several other books on social and political issues, including "The Ordeal of Change", "The Temper of Our Time", and "First Thing We Do, Let’s Deregulate All the Lawyers".
Despite his lack of formal education, Hoffer was a profound thinker and a keen observer of human nature. He had an uncanny ability to distill complex ideas into simple and powerful insights. His writing was clear, concise, and often provocative. Hoffer was also a voracious reader, and he drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including history, literature, and philosophy.
Hoffer was a man of few close relationships, but he did have a few notable acquaintances. One was the journalist and author
Tom Wolfe, who was a great admirer of Hoffer’s work. Wolfe once referred to Hoffer as "America's greatest living philosopher.” Another was the American writer
John Steinbeck, who wrote the introduction to "The True Believer". Steinbeck described Hoffer as "a shrewd and profound observer of the scene in America".
Hoffer received many honors during his lifetime, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983, shortly before his death. His legacy lives on through his books, which continue to be read and studied by scholars and general readers alike.
Eric Hoffer was a unique voice in American intellectual life, and his insights into the nature of human motivation and behavior continue to be relevant today.
Our collection contains 86 quotes who is written / told by Eric.
Related authors: John Steinbeck (Author), Beck (Musician), Tom Wolfe (Journalist), Philo (Philosopher)
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