

#970
Mentioned in 22 episodes
The true believer
Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements
Book • 1951
Published in 1951, 'The True Believer' is a landmark work in social psychology that provides a visionary and provocative look into the mind of the fanatic and the dynamics of mass movements.
Hoffer argues that ideologies are interchangeable for true believers, who are driven by personal frustrations and a desire for certainty and belonging.
The book is highly relevant today, offering insights into political fanaticism, the rise of mass movements, and the dangers of unthinking adherence to any cause.
It has been praised for its concise and insightful analysis, making it a significant contribution to social thought.
Hoffer argues that ideologies are interchangeable for true believers, who are driven by personal frustrations and a desire for certainty and belonging.
The book is highly relevant today, offering insights into political fanaticism, the rise of mass movements, and the dangers of unthinking adherence to any cause.
It has been praised for its concise and insightful analysis, making it a significant contribution to social thought.
Mentioned by






















Mentioned in 22 episodes
Mentioned by 

in relation to the roles of elites and masses in social movements.


Marc Andreessen

6,102 snips
#458 – Marc Andreessen: Trump, Power, Tech, AI, Immigration & Future of America
Mentioned by 

in the context of discussing the psychology of mass movements and extremism.


Steven Pressfield

158 snips
Steven Pressfield: Battle Resistance, Master Your Craft, & Pursue Your Calling
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book recommended by General Mattis.

Billy Oppenheimer

127 snips
Why Justice Is The Cornerstone Of The Stoic Virtues | Billy Oppenheimer (Pt. 2)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a brilliant book on mass movements.

Jim O’Shaughnessy

104 snips
Gurwinder Bhogal's Guide to Modern Survival (EP.231)
Mentioned by 

when discussing mass movements and the role of intellectuals.


Marc Andreessen

55 snips
E100: Marc Andreessen: How 2016 Broke My Mental Model of the World
Recommended by ![undefined]()

to understand what makes revolutions and why people join movements.

John Stonestreet

49 snips
The U.S. Makes a Dent in Iran’s Nuclear Program, the Fallout from Ten Years of Obergefell, and Lesbian Seagulls
Mentioned by 

to describe Ayatollah Khamenei as a dedicated revolutionary.


Karim Sadjadpour

35 snips
What Comes Next for Iran?
Recommended by 

as a fundamental book for those in the information business.


Dan Kennedy

34 snips
Make Your Business Impossible to Ignore: Day with Dan Kennedy (4 of 4) | #Marketing - Ep. 18
Mentioned by Jim O'Shaughnessy in the context of conformity and the psychology of belief systems.

34 snips
Jim O'Shaughnessy: Don't Squander This Age of Innovation
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing revolutionary systems.

Rudyard Lynch

30 snips
Explaining the English Civil War
Mentioned by 

as one of the books he was studying to understand how to create movements.


Russell Brunson

29 snips
Marketing Like a Billionaire: Inside the Mind of Russell Brunson
Mentioned by 

as the author of "The True Believer", a book he considers insightful.


Russ Roberts

23 snips
Russ Roberts on Life as an Economics Educator
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing what totalitarianism offers.

Rudyard Lynch

23 snips
We live in a Totalitarian Society
Mentioned by 

when discussing the dynamics of movements and vanguards.


Marc Andreessen

22 snips
Marc Andreessen: The Time to Fight for AI is NOW [Classic Episode]
Mentioned by 

as being about how mass movements are created.


Russell Brunson

20 snips
What ‘The True Believer’ Taught Me About Building a Mass Movement and Creating Raving Fans | #Marketing - Ep. 49
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing the book "The True Believer."

Stephen Fairbanks

16 snips
Montessori High School Teacher, Stephen Fairbanks
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the book discussing the drivers of social movements.

Brian Chow

11 snips
Richard Hanania Megasode
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the subject of his book, detailing Mack's controversial research into UFOs and alien abductions.

Ralph Blumenthal

KABOOM! The Explosive UFO Story That Changed The World - Guest : Ralph Blumenthal (PART 1)
Recommended by 

as a book that everyone should read, offering a historical analysis of mass movements and delusions.


Graham Linehan

Backstabbed By The Entire Comedy Industry - Graham Linehan
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing the motivations of individuals drawn to extremist movements.

Comfortably Smug

The Truth About The New Jersey Drones and How Biden's Lies Have Made it Worse