Vehemence is the expression of a blind effort to support and uphold something that can never stand on its own... Whether it our own meaningless self we are upholding, or some doctrine devoid of evidence, we can do it only in a frenzy of faith.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Aggressive certainty often masks deep insecurity. People defend weak ideas or themselves with excessive passion.
- In plain terms
- People who shout loudest often have nothing solid to stand on.
- What can you take from it?
- Extreme certainty can signal deep insecurity rather than strength.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do I feel the need to be so loud?
- What am I afraid of losing?
Another view
Passion is sometimes necessary to drive change or defend truth.
More from Eric Hoffer
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