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About this quote

What does it mean?
Mass movements need a common enemy more than a deity.
In plain terms
Groups unite more easily against a devil than for a god.
What can you take from it?
Shared opposition builds solidarity faster.

Where it applies

  • political organizing
  • social movements
  • community building

Putting it to work

  • find common ground
  • avoid scapegoats
  • build positive goals

Questions to consider

  • What unites your community?
  • Is hatred a good foundation?

Another view

It ignores movements built on shared hope rather than hatred.

More from Eric Hoffer

  1. The opposite of the religious fanatic is not the fanatical atheist but the gentle cynic who cares not whether there is a god or not.

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  2. Self-righteousness is a loud din raised to drown the voice of guilt within us.

    Permalink to quote #25
  3. The urge to escape our real self is also an urge to escape the rational and the obvious. The refusal to see ourselves as we are develops a distaste for facts a…

    Permalink to quote #22

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