The less justified a man is in claiming excellence for his own self, the more ready he is to claim all excellence for his nation, his religion, his race or his holy cause.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People who feel inferior about themselves often overcompensate by glorifying their group or cause.
- In plain terms
- Insecure people claim their nation or religion is perfect.
- What can you take from it?
- Group pride can mask personal inadequacy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does self-worth relate to group identity?
- When does pride become a shield?
Another view
Not all group pride stems from personal insecurity.
More from Eric Hoffer
Faith in a holy cause is to a considerable extent a substitute for the lost faith in ourselves.
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