Eric Hoffer Biography

Early Life
Eric Hoffer was born upon July 25, 1902, in The Bronx, New York City, to a household of Alsatian German immigrants. His early life was marked by a series of bad luck, consisting of the death of his mother when he was a kid. At around the age of seven, Hoffer lost his sight due to an accident, which caused him investing the subsequent years in blindness. Miraculously, at the age of 15, Hoffer regained his sight, though the specific scenarios surrounding this healing are rather uncertain.

The Great Depression and Wandering Years
Following his father's death in 1920, Hoffer, then in his late teens, left New York to end up being a migratory worker. Throughout the Great Depression, he took a trip across California, working tasks such as selecting fruit and doing manual labor. Despite lacking formal education, Hoffer established a ravenous cravings for reading during his durations of unemployment, obtaining books from town libraries whenever possible. These experiences formed much of his understanding of human nature and society, which would later form the backbone of his written work.

Composing Career
Hoffer's entry into writing was irregular. It wasn't up until 1951 that his very first book, "The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements", was published. This work emerged from both his philosophical reflections and his observations of the socio-political landscape throughout the very first half of the 20th century. "The True Believer" was seriously well-known for its incisive expedition of the psychology of mass movements and brought in the attention of intellectuals and policymakers alike.

Following the success of "The True Believer", Hoffer published a number of more books and essays, such as "The Ordeal of Change", "The Passionate State of Mind", and "The Temper of Our Time". His writings explored themes of individualism, social upheaval, and the dynamics of mass sociology, often drawing from both historical events and contemporary trends.

Impact and Relationships
While not formally educated, Hoffer's work gained the attention of several prominent figures in academic community and politics. He referred a range of intellectuals, thinkers, and policymakers, and he was notably recognized by President Lyndon B. Johnson, who valued Hoffer's insights and candid analysis of American society. Regardless of his acknowledgment, Hoffer preferred to remain a relatively personal individual, refraining from actively participating in the academic and intellectual circles that appreciated his work.

Hoffer's commitment to candid discourse was appreciated by some and slammed by others, however his practical approach to philosophy and sociology earned him an unique position in American intellectual history.

Later On Life and Legacy
In his later years, Eric Hoffer took pleasure in the relative serenity of life in San Francisco, working as a longshoreman until his retirement in 1967. He never wed and lived a simple life, characterized by frugality and self-reliance even as his fame broadened. Hoffer continued writing until his death on May 21, 1983, in San Francisco, California.

Hoffer's effect as a self-taught ethical and social philosopher stays significant. His works are acclaimed for their lucid and penetrating insights into the human mind and social trends. "The True Believer" remains a staple text in comprehending the mechanics behind the rise of mass motions. To this day, Hoffer is typically pointed out for analyzing the function of fanaticism, social modification, and conformity within modern-day societies.

Conclusion
Eric Hoffer's life was a testament to self-education, perseverance, and the power of observation and reflection. His approach, borne from the difficulties and experiences of a migratory worker, found resonance across the world and continues to use important insights into the nature of societal dynamics and human behavior.

Our collection contains 86 quotes who is written / told by Eric.

Related authors: Lyndon B. Johnson (President), Philo (Philosopher), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete)

• Q: Is the Eric Hoffer Award legitimate
  A: Yes, the Eric Hoffer Award is a legitimate independent literary award established to honor free-thinking writers and independent books.
• Q: Hoffer meaning
  A: The name 'Hoffer' is of German origin, meaning 'hooper' or someone who makes hoops.
• Q: Eric Hoffer True Believer quotes
  A: Notable quotes from 'The True Believer' include insights on mass movements and the nature of fanaticism.
• Q: Hoffer company
  A: Hoffer is not associated with any company; it refers to Eric Hoffer, the American philosopher and author.
• Q: Eric Hoffer Quotes Every great cause
  A: Eric Hoffer said, 'Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket.'
• Q: Eric Hoffer goodreads
  A: On Goodreads, you can find Eric Hoffer's books and quotes, including his most famous work, 'The True Believer'.
• Q: Eric Hoffer: the longshoreman philosopher
  A: Eric Hoffer was known as the 'longshoreman philosopher' because he worked as a longshoreman for many years while writing influential philosophical works.
• Q: How old was Eric Hoffer?
  A: He became 80 years old

• Wikipedia