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.
The substance of man cannot be measured by Gross National Product.
The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command. His heart sank as he thought of the enormous power arrayed against him, the ease with which any Party intellectual would overthrow him in debate, the subtle arguments which he would not be able to understand, much less answer. And yet he was in the right! They were wrong and he was right.
Complete adaptation to environment means death. The essential point in all response is the desire to control environment.
I find it as difficult to understand a scientist who does not acknowledge the presence of a superior rationality behind the existence of the universe as it is to comprehend a theologian who would deny the advances of science.
Trade is the best cure for prejudice.
The deeper the experience of an absence of meaning - in other words, of absurdity - the more energetically meaning is sought.
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