The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements

The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements

1951 • 210 pages

Ratings11

Average rating3.5

15

I am honestly surprised that this book has such a high rating. While it is true that it is clearly labeled as an opinion piece; which is completely fine in and of itself, Hoffer did not provide much in the way of empirical evidence for his statements. They come across as simple observations from an armchair expert, and we are meant to believe the words of someone who has had no apparent formal education (Eric Hoffer was a simple dockworker in the 40's), and little in the way of personal experience aside from a status of being an American citizen. In my opinion, I disagree with many of his stances on mass movements, and many others are simply outdated. I find it rather humorous that I possess just as many expert qualifications as the author on these subjects, (that is to say, none at all) and yet I have not written myself a book proclaiming facts on subjects I have no authority in. Perhaps I should?

December 17, 2023Report this review