A low capacity for getting along with those near us often goes hand in hand with a high receptivity to the idea of the brotherhood of men.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that those who struggle with personal relationships may be more inclined to embrace universal ideas of unity and brotherhood.
Eric Hoffer's quote reflects a paradox where an individual's difficulty in relating well to those in their immediate circle can lead to a greater openness to broader concepts like human brotherhood. Although they may find it challenging to connect with close relationships, they might still recognize and advocate for the importance of togetherness and unity among all people, indicating a complex view of interpersonal connections and universal ideals.
In practice
During a speech about community service, one could reference this quote to emphasize the importance of global unity despite personal conflicts.
Language was invented to ask questions. Answers may be given by grunts and gestures, but questions must be spoken. Humanness came of age when man asked the first question. Social stagnation results not from a lack of answers but from the absence of the impulse to ask questions.
Faith in humanity, in posterity, in the destiny of one's religion, nation, race, party or family-what is it but the visualization of that eternal something to which we attach the self that is about to be annihilated?
You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you.
Our frustration is greater when we have much and want more than when we have nothing and want some. We are less dissatisfied when we lack many things than when we seem to lack but one thing.
Our credulity is greatest concerning the things we know least about.
Perhaps a modern society can remain stable only by eliminating adolescence, by giving its young, from the age of ten, the skills, responsibilities, and rewards of grownups, and opportunities for action in all spheres of life. Adolescence should be a time of useful action, while book learning and scholarship should be a preoccupation of adults.
Global terrorism is extreme both in its lack of realistic goals and in its cynical exploitation of the vulnerability of complex systems.
If we were to wake up some morning and find that everyone was the same race, creed and color, we would find some other causes for prejudice by noon.
The kingdom of heaven is within us. The Jewish idea was a kingdom of heaven upon this earth. That was not the idea of Jesus.
If itβs going to be a world with no time for sentiment, itβs not a world that I want to live in.
I think about never losing my voice, never giving in, never selling out, always keeping black, always sticking to the street. Staying neighborhood and not Hollywood.
Our collective freedom... depends on our ability to defend the rights of others.
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