To find the cause of our ills in something outside ourselves, something specific that can be spotted and eliminated, is a diagnosis that cannot fail to appeal. To say that the cause of our troubles is not in us but in the Jews, and pass immediately to the extermination of the Jews, is a prescription likely to find a wide acceptance.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People prefer simple external causes for complex problems rather than accepting internal responsibility. This mindset supports scapegoating and extreme measures.
- In plain terms
- It is easier to blame others for problems than to look at ourselves.
- What can you take from it?
- Blaming groups for societal ills avoids difficult self-reflection.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you look for external causes for internal pain?
- How do you react when things go wrong?
Another view
Sometimes external actors do cause real harm that needs addressing.
More from Eric Hoffer
The sick in soul insist that it is humanity that is sick, and they are the surgeons to operate on it. They want to turn the world into a sickroom. And once the…
Permalink to quote #51 Our credulity is greatest concerning the things we know least about. And since we know least about ourselves, we are ready to believe all that is said about us…
Permalink to quote #53 Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.
Permalink to quote #50
Related quotes
If Gore had been elected president, right now he would just be finding that last lesbian quadriplegic for the Special Forces team.
Ann CoulterAnn Coulter quote #7 Had ten minutes conversation with Henry Morgenthau about Jewish ship in Palistine. Told him I would talk to Gen[eral] Marshall about it. He'd no business, what…
Harry S. TrumanHarry S. Truman quote #10 The United States is a farce controlled by dirty, hook-nosed, circumcised Jew bastards.
Bobby FischerBobby Fischer quote #15