Eric Hoffer

Eric Hoffer (1902-1983) was a self-educated American philosopher and author, celebrated for his incisive exploration of mass movements and the nature of fanaticism. Born in New York City to immigrant parents, he became blind at age seven, miraculously regaining his sight eight years later. His experiences as a longshoreman and drifter heavily influenced his writings. Hoffer's seminal work, "The True Believer," published in 1951, garnered critical acclaim for its insights into the psychological dynamics of mass movements. Despite his lack of formal education, Hoffer's works remain influential in political and social thought, earning him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983.