#447
Mentioned in 21 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.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 21 episodes

Mentioned by Marc Andreessen in relation to the roles of elites and masses in social movements.
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Mentioned by Steven Pressfield in the context of discussing the psychology of mass movements and extremism.
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Mentioned by Marc Andreessen when discussing mass movements and the role of intellectuals.
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Mentioned by Karim Sadjadpour to describe Ayatollah Khamenei as a dedicated revolutionary.
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Mentioned by Jim O'Shaughnessy in the context of conformity and the psychology of belief systems.
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Mentioned by Rudyard Lynch when discussing revolutionary systems.
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Mentioned by Russ Roberts as the author of "The True Believer", a book he considers insightful.
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Mentioned by Rudyard Lynch when discussing what totalitarianism offers.
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Mentioned by Marc Andreessen when discussing the dynamics of movements and vanguards.
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Mentioned by Stephen Fairbanks when discussing the book "The True Believer."
16 snips
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Mentioned by Brian Chow as the book discussing the drivers of social movements.
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Mentioned by Ralph Blumenthal as the subject of his book, detailing Mack's controversial research into UFOs and alien abductions.
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Recommended by Graham Linehan as a book that everyone should read, offering a historical analysis of mass movements and delusions.
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Mentioned by Comfortably Smug when discussing the motivations of individuals drawn to extremist movements.
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