The quality of ideas seems to play a minor role in mass movement leadership. What counts is the arrogant gesture, the complete disregard of the opinion of others, the singlehanded defiance of the world.
Interpretation
Effective leadership in mass movements often relies on bold actions rather than the quality of ideas.
In this quote, Eric Hoffer suggests that true leadership within mass movements is defined more by the leader's audacity and strength of character than by the substance of their ideas. The emphasis is on the ability to act with confidence and to ignore dissenting opinions, creating a powerful persona that can galvanize followers and instill a sense of purpose, regardless of the ideas being promoted.
In practice
During a speech on the nature of leadership in a political rally.
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.
I think playing cricket taught me more about working in teams and leadership that has stayed with me throughout my career.
Class is more important than a game.
'Power' is an explosive word, particularly when applied to women.
If you're a leader, people's lives should be better because of the influence you've had along the way.
There was that argument that if we had more women in positions of authority, the world would be a nicer place. And then we got Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Indira Gandhi. When women become acclimatised to war, they can become every bit as ruthless as men.
Rule a kingdom as though you were cooking a small fish - don't overdo it.
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