The True Believer: Book Overview & Takeaways (Eric Hoffer)

a bearded middle-aged man with grey hair reading a book outside with a building in the background

What drives people to join mass movements? What makes some movements succeed while others fizzle out? In his book The True Believer, Eric Hoffer explores the psychology behind mass movements. He examines why certain groups are more susceptible to joining these movements and what factors contribute to their success or failure. Keep reading to discover Hoffer’s insights on the forces that shape our society and drive social change.

Our Abstract Thinking Ability & the Science Behind It

A young thoughtful man in profile with a cityscape in the background illustrates our abstract thinking ability

How does your brain process abstract concepts? How does our ability to think abstractly shape our understanding of the world? In his book A Thousand Brains, neuroscientist Jeff Hawkins seeks to explain our incredible abstract thinking ability. He proposes that our brain uses similar mechanisms for both concrete and abstract thought. Continue reading to explore the complex mysteries of abstract thinking.

No Consequences? Taking Determinism to Its Logical Conclusion

A nighttime scene with city lights in the background and a profile of a young man considering a world with no consequences

Are you tired of feeling guilty for your actions? Is that feeling justified? What if you’re not responsible for what you do and say? In his book Determined, Robert Sapolsky explores the concept of determinism and its implications for personal responsibility. He challenges our traditional notions of praise, blame, and punishment in a world with no consequences for our choices. Keep reading to understand Sapolsky’s thought-provoking ideas about human behavior and accountability.

What Is a Mass Movement? Eric Hoffer Explains

a drawing of people massing together into a large group illustrates the question, "What is a mass movement?"

What is a mass movement? What drives people to join them? What makes these movements so powerful and influential? In his book The True Believer, Eric Hoffer explores the psychology behind mass movements. He delves into why certain groups captivate those feeling alienated or discontented. This article will examine Hoffer’s insights and their relevance to today’s global landscape. Continue reading to learn what mass movements are and why it’s important to understand them.

Robert Sapolsky Says Determinism—Not Free Will—Is Our Reality

Dominoes in a row with the first ones starting to fall, depicting the domino effect and Robert Sapolsky's determinism theory

How well do you understand the concept of free will? Do you believe that your choices are truly your own? In his book Determined, Robert Sapolsky explores the theory of determinism and its implications for human behavior. He lays out arguments against free will and shares how scientific advancements support his views on determinism. Keep reading to discover how Robert Sapolsky’s determinism theory challenges our understanding of personal choice and responsibility.

What Makes a Social Movement Successful? (Eric Hoffer)

a huge group of people planting a red flag on the top of a mountain illustrates what makes a social movement successful

What makes a social movement successful? What factors contribute to its growth and longevity? Eric Hoffer’s book The True Believer explores the evolution of mass movements and the different roles that emerge as the movement grows. He explores what makes a social movement successful, examining the stages from inception to institution-building. Read on to discover how visionaries, loyal followers, and implementers shape the trajectory of social movements and understand the factors that help them succeed.

4 Theories of Free Will Based on Science (+ Counterarguments)

A thinking young man with a thought bubble that says "Free Will?" inside of it illustrates theories of free will

Are your choices truly your own? Does science prove that free will is just an illusion? In his book Determined, Robert Sapolsky explores various theories of free will and presents compelling counterarguments. He addresses four scientific perspectives on free will, including compatibilism, chaoticism, emergent complexity, and quantum indeterminacy. Prepare to challenge your beliefs about decision-making and human behavior as we examine these thought-provoking theories.

Why Do People Join Social Movements? 3 Reasons They Appeal

a drawing of people standing in a circle holding hands illustrates the question "Why do people join social movements?"

Why do people join social movements? What drives individuals to become part of something bigger than themselves? In The True Believer, Eric Hoffer explores the psychology behind mass movements. He argues that these groups fulfill fundamental human needs for identity, community, and purpose. Keep reading to learn about three reasons people are drawn to mass movements.

What if There’s No Free Will? 3 Implications if It’s True

People walking in a bustling city scene illustrate life without free will

What would life be like there’s no free will? How would society function if we accepted that our actions are predetermined? In his book Determined, Robert Sapolsky explores the concept of life without free will and its implications for society. He argues that embracing determinism could lead to a fairer and kinder world, despite the challenges it presents to our traditional notions of praise, reward, blame, and personal responsibility. Read on to learn Sapolsky’s perspective on human behavior.

What Is a True Believer? 4 Types Drawn to Mass Movements

four people of various ages standing next to each other and facing the camera illustrate what a true believer is

What is a true believer? What types of people are most susceptible to joining mass movements? In his book The True Believer, Eric Hoffer explores the psychology behind mass movements and their followers. He identifies several groups of people who are particularly drawn to these causes, including the marginalized, the unfulfilled, the guilt-ridden, and the self-interested. Read more to dive deeper into Hoffer’s insightful analysis of what makes a true believer.