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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The True Believer summary
Eric Hoffer
Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements
12 mins
Brief summary
The True Believer by Eric Hoffer explores the nature of mass movements and why certain people are drawn to them. He identifies the characteristics of true believers and analyzes how they can become part of a group.
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The True Believer
Summary of 5 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 5
Mass movements are spurred on by a belief in change and the hope for something better.
If you had a job you loved with flexible hours and a good salary would you go looking for another one? Probably not. But what if your job was so bad that you dreaded waking up in the morning? Finding a new one would be a top priority.
People who are discontent or lack hope want change and so are open to messages that promise it. In Germany after WWI, for instance, people were at the end of the line; after losing the war, they felt, the future held nothing. And it was from this fertile soil that the Nazi movement grew.
In fact, the biggest cause of despair among the unemployed isn’t a lack of money but a lack of hope. Unemployed people are more likely to follow someone who gives them hope than someone who offers them money. When you have hope – even just a shred of it – you start feeling self-efficacy.
That’s why all mass movements start by making people feel that a better future is within their grasp – to inspire hope. Consider the French Revolution, which was sparked by the idea that man has an infinite capacity for reason and is not soaked in sin. By spreading this new, more upbeat vision of mankind, the revolution instilled in people a new sense of power and fueled the engine that drove democratization.
But hope isn’t the only thing that makes people desire change. Knowing what it means to have something has a similar effect. For example, “the new poor” (people who used to have money but lost it) are the most powerful force for change, because they know what can be achieved. Just look at the Puritan Revolution that catalyzed the English Civil War; it was started by people who’d recently been driven from their property so that landlords could turn the fields into grazing land. People who’ve lost something will fight to get it back.
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What is The True Believer about?
The True Believer (1951), published in the aftermath of World War II, is an exploration of mass movements and the means by which they attract followers. These blinks will take you on a walk through history – showing how, under certain circumstances, be they right or wrong, anyone can become a true believer.
The True Believer Review
The True Believer (1951) delves into the psychology behind mass movements and fanaticism, shedding light on the reasons people are drawn to extreme ideologies. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its thought-provoking analysis of human behavior, it offers deep insights into the motives that drive individuals to become fanatical followers of various causes.
- By examining historical events and utilizing real-life examples, it provides a comprehensive understanding of how mass movements form and attract followers.
- The book's astute observations and analytical approach make it an engaging exploration of extremism, ensuring that readers are captivated from start to finish.
Best quote from The True Believer
The true believer, no matter how violently he acts, is basically an obedient and submissive person.
—Eric Hoffer
Who should read The True Believer?
- People wanting to learn about the history, logic and component parts of mass movements
- Those interested in group psychology
- Anybody with an interest in politics and how change is affected
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The True Believer FAQs
What is the main message of The True Believer?
The main message of The True Believer is that mass movements are driven by a common dissatisfaction and the need for a sense of self-importance.
How long does it take to read The True Believer?
The reading time for The True Believer may vary, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The True Believer a good book? Is it worth reading?
The True Believer is worth reading for its deep insights into mass movements and human psychology. It offers a compelling analysis of fanaticism and social upheavals.
Who is the author of The True Believer?
The author of The True Believer is Eric Hoffer.
What to read after The True Believer?
If you're wondering what to read next after The True Believer, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Hopping over the Rabbit Hole by Anthony Scaramucci
- Foragers, Farmers, and Fossil Fuels by Ian Morris
- The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
- The Great Leveler by Walter Scheidel
- An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume
- The First Minute by Chris Fenning
- Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom