Plato: Tyranny Is Only One Step Away From Democracy

A mob of people raising their fists in ancient Greece illustrates tyranny in Plato's Republic

Is tyranny simply a form of governance, or is it a product of a certain psychology? How does Plato’s view of tyranny relate to modern political systems? According to Plato, tyranny results when democracy deteriorates. In The Republic, he describes tyrannies and the psychological profile of a tyrant, providing insights into power dynamics and human behavior that remain relevant today. Continue reading to understand Plato’s thoughts on tyranny and how it happens.

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.

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.

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.

Jeff Hawkins: AI Structures Should Mimic the Neocortex

A human-like robot structure with an exposed brain and nerves illustrates Jeff Hawkins’s AI ideas

What’s the future of artificial intelligence? How can our understanding of the human brain revolutionize AI? According to Jeff Hawkins, AI development based on his Thousand Brains Theory could lead to exciting advancements. He proposes that AI systems should mimic the structure and function of the brain’s neocortex. Read on to explore how Hawkins’s ideas might influence the future of AI.

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.

How to Start a Social Movement: 2 Forces You Must Leverage

a black and white drawing of people from the back walking in the same direction illustrates what causes mass movements

What drives people to join social movements? What makes individuals willing to sacrifice everything for a cause? In The True Believer, Eric Hoffer explores what causes mass social movements to start and gain momentum. He examines the psychological factors that lead people to dedicate themselves to a collective cause, often at great personal cost. Keep reading to learn how to start a social movement by understanding the two powerful forces behind them.

Plato: Society Deteriorates in 4 Steps (The Republic)

A view from above of a city square in ancient Greece illustrates Plato's society model

How do societies evolve over time? What did ancient philosophers think about the progression of political systems? Plato’s vision of societal change is explored in his seminal work The Republic. The Greek thinker outlines a descent from an ideal city-state through four increasingly flawed forms of government. His theory offers insights into the nature of power, justice, and human behavior. Keep reading to understand Plato’s society model, and discover how his ideas still resonate in modern political discourse.