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It is apparently vital that we should be in the dark about ourselves not to be clear about our intentions, fears, and hopes. There is a stubborn effort in us to set up a compact screen between consciousness and the self.

Eric Hoffer

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Eric Hoffer
Age: 84 †
Born: 1898
Born: July 25
Died: 1983
Died: May 21
Philosopher
Psychologist
Writer
New York City
New York
Self
Screen
Screens
Fears
Compact
Intention
Intentions
Consciousness
Stubborn
Effort
Apparently
Dark
Vital
Clear
Hopes

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They who clamor loudest for freedom are often the ones least likely to be happy in a free society.
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Freedom released the energies of the masses not by exhilarating but by unbalancing, irritating, and goading.
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This food-and-shelter theory concerning man's efforts is without insight. The desire for praise is more imperative than the desire for food and shelter
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A successful social technique consists perhaps in finding unobjectionable means for individual self-assertion.
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That which is unique and worthwhile in us makes itself felt only in flashes. If we do not know how to catch and savor the flashes we are without growth and exhilaration.
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A doctrine insulates the devout not only against the realities around them but also against their own selves. The fanatical believer is not conscious of his envy, malice, pettiness and dishonesty. There is a wall of words between his consciousness and his real self.
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There is always a chance that he who sets himself up as his brother's keeper will end up by being his jail-keeper.
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