The Passionate State of Mind: And Other Aphorisms

by Eric Hoffer

Book Overview

Eric Hoffer--one of America's most important thinkers and the author of The True Believer--lived for years as a Depression Era migratory worker. Self-taught, his appetite for knowledge--history,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1933435097
• ISBN13: 9781933435091
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Hopewell Publications
• Length: 120 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

A Timeless Classic...

"The Passionate State of Mind" was written by Eric Hoffer, a one-time Longshoreman, in 1954, fifty years ago, following the "True Believer" which gained much national recognition.My suggestion to anyone interested would be to take "The Passionate State of Mind" to a park, a place on the the seashore, take some time, read, relax, and reflect on the meaning of the 280 aphorisms contained within. One such paragraph reads: " An easygoing person is probably more accessible to the realization of eternity - the endless flow of life and death - than one who takes his prospects and duties overseriously. It is the overserious who are truly frivilous."Or another is, simply: "Fear and Freedom are mutually exclusive."I have no argument with either sentiment. Anyway, my copy of "The Passionate State of Mind" is well-worn, and I'm always surprised that even though I may put it away, when I eventually get around to revisiting it, I always manage to find food for thought."The Passionate State of Mind" is something that recalls youthful ideals, and the ultimate objective of truth. It's worth a read.

A Brilliant Work

Hoffer's writings are crytsal clear, and a joy to read. This book contains a brillant set of aphorisms that illuminate the world we live in. Hoffer's insights cover the spectrum from everyday interactions to the psyche of the Islamic Fascist who is at war with us. Caution - Reading one of Hoffer's works will create a desire to read another.

A post graduate course in Dilbert

About fifteen years ago I took a copy of this book to work with me for a lunchtime read. I still keep it here and I'm still absorbing it. Hoffer profoundly illuminates the failings, foibles, and foolishness of human affairs, sometimes with dark wit and sometimes with pyrotechnics.In it I always find aphorisms to describe any "workplace situation", and I use them liberally in letters, presentations, discussions and even responses to graffiti. Hoffer's insights have turned around many a situation for me.The book gave me tremendous personal growth and a career boost as well. Whether you're an evil HR director, or like myself just a workingman trying to navigate the waters of mid-life, this book will help you.old jim hardy

A brilliant follow-up to a classic

Eric Hoffer penned this book of aphorisms shortly after "The True Believer," undoubtably his masterpiece study on the psychology of mass movements and those who partake in them. This collection provides a similar challenge to the reader, as it takes poignant stabs into the human mind with Hoffer's trademark detachment.At many points in reading this book, I had to stop and think about what one sentence had said, how others reflected in its mirror; indeed how I reflected in its mirror. It would take hours or even days before I could crack the book again and move on to the next selection. Many of the aphorisms remain ingrained in my head, and I often browse back through the book to reflect on what is there.If you enjoyed "The True Believer," I believe you will duly enjoy "The Passionate State of Mind." If you are a lover of psychology/sociology, welcome to one of the classic books(and writers) of the 20th century. If you want a book that allows for intense reflection and self-examination, far more so than the hordes of so-called "self-help" books now available, this book can provide that and more. A great book by an all too forgotten penman.

Powerful statements to ponder and adjust to

Eric Hoffer is a thoughtful author, in the truest sense of the word. In his book, The Passionate State of Mind, Hoffer makes over two hundred deep and powerful statements to ponder and adjust to. I usually find that I read two or three of his aphorisms, put the book down, and spend several days evaluating my life with them. These "truisms" cover what motivates us to do the things we do, how we respond to others, and how to live life without catching on the usual snags. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a breath of fresh air in their thought life.