Eric Hoffer’s “The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements” (1951) is a seminal work that examines the psychology of individuals who become deeply committed to mass movements, whether political, religious, or social. Hoffer’s analysis focuses on the motivations and characteristics of these “true believers” and the conditions that make mass movements thrive.

Key Psychological Traits of the True Believer

1. Discontent with the Present Self: True believers often feel a deep dissatisfaction with their personal lives. They see themselves as ineffectual, powerless, or insignificant and seek to escape this reality by merging their identity with a larger cause or movement [1]. Hoffer argues that this dissatisfaction drives people to seek meaning and purpose in something external, often leading them to embrace ideologies that promise radical change.

2. Desire for Certainty and Simplicity: True believers are drawn to movements that offer clear, black-and-white answers to complex problems. They crave certainty and are often intolerant of ambiguity or nuance.

3. Willingness to Sacrifice Individuality: Hoffer notes that true believers are willing to subordinate their individuality to the collective identity of the movement. This allows them to feel part of something greater than themselves, which can be empowering but also leads to fanaticism.

4. Frustration and Resentment:!Many true believers harbor feelings of frustration and resentment, often directed at society, elites, or other groups they perceive as responsible for their struggles. This resentment fuels their commitment to the movement and their willingness to fight for its goals.

5. Faith in a Glorious Future: True believers are often motivated by a vision of a utopian future promised by the movement. This vision gives them hope and a sense of purpose, even if it requires sacrificing the present [2].

6. Susceptibility to Leadership: Hoffer emphasizes that true believers are often drawn to charismatic leaders who embody the ideals of the movement and provide a sense of direction and unity.

Comparison to Modern “True Believers”

The psychological traits Hoffer identified remain relevant today and can be observed in the followers of contemporary political figures like Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Bernie Sanders. While the specific ideologies and movements differ, the underlying motivations and behaviors of their most ardent supporters often align with Hoffer’s analysis.

1. Donald Trump: Many of Trump’s most devoted supporters exhibit traits of true believers, such as a strong desire for certainty, resentment toward perceived elites, and faith in Trump’s promises to “Make America Great Again.” His charismatic leadership and ability to channel frustration into a cohesive movement resonate with Hoffer’s description of mass movement dynamics.
2. Kamala Harris and Barack Obama: Supporters of Harris and Obama often emphasize their hope for a more inclusive and equitable future. While their movements may not exhibit the same level of fanaticism as others, the faith in their leadership and vision for change reflects some of the psychological traits Hoffer described, particularly the desire for a better future and identification with a collective cause [2].
3. Bernie Sanders: Sanders’ supporters often align with Hoffer’s analysis of frustration and resentment, particularly toward economic inequality and corporate power. His movement’s focus on systemic change and a vision of a more just society appeals to those seeking meaning and purpose through collective action.

Key Differences in Modern Contexts

While the psychological makeup of true believers remains consistent, modern mass movements are shaped by new factors:

• Social Media: Platforms like Twitter and Facebook amplify the reach of mass movements, allowing true believers to connect and organize more easily. This can intensify the sense of belonging and reinforce ideological echo chambers.

• Polarization: Modern politics is highly polarized, which can deepen the divide between opposing groups of true believers and increase the intensity of their commitment.

• Polarization: Modern politics is highly polarized, which can deepen the divide between opposing groups of true believers and increase the intensity of their commitment.

• Diverse Ideologies: Unlike the mid-20th century, today’s mass movements span a broader range of ideologies, from progressive to conservative, reflecting the complexity of modern societies.

Conclusion

Eric Hoffer’s insights into the psychology of the true believer remain strikingly relevant in understanding the dynamics of modern mass movements. Whether supporting Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, or Bernie Sanders, true believers today share many of the same psychological traits Hoffer identified: dissatisfaction with the present, faith in a better future, and a willingness to subordinate individuality to a collective cause. However, the tools and contexts of modern movements—such as social media and political polarization—have added new dimensions to the phenomenon.

These are the principles that underlie the work that Sandy was doing.

1. I believe in justice for all
2. I believe in lifting up the disadvantaged
3. I believe in dismantling unjust criminalization systems
4. I believe in equal protection under the law
5. I believe in ending poverty
6. I believe in ending systemic racism
7. I believe in ending the war economy
8. I believe in ending ecological devastation
9. I believe in building unity across lines of division
10. I believe in a moral narrative that is concerned with how society treats the marginalized
11. I believe in transforming the political, economic and moral structures of our society
12. I believe in working toward non-partisan goals
13. I believe in sustained moral direct action
14. I believe in nonviolence

Celebration of Life and Legacy

Tuesday September 13, 2022 5 pm – 8 pm

First Interstate Center of the Arts

334 S Spokane Falls Blvd Spokane WA

The family asked that instead of flowers donations be given to the Carl Maxey Center 3114 E. 5th Avenue Spokane WA 99202

First Thursday Meeting At East Central Community Center Aug 2nd 10 AM 500 S Stone St.

Information on First Thursday Coffee Discussion

“This” is our Values:

Can We Get Consensus On This?

We believe in justice for all * We believe in lifting up the disadvantaged * We believe in dismantling unjust criminalization systems * We believe in equal protection under the law * We believe in ending poverty * We believe in ending systemic racism * We believe in ending the war economy * We believe in ending ecological devastation * We believe in building unity across lines of division * We believe in a moral narrative that is concerned with how society treats the marginalized * We believe in transforming the political, economic, and moral structures of our society * We believe in working toward non-partisan goals * We believe in sustained moral direct action * We believe in nonviolence

“We” are the supporters.

If you are a supporter, please type the following in the Leave a Comment box:

I am a supporter of these principles.
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Organization

We would like to evaluate the commitment level of our supporters. Are they Actors, Allies, or Accomplices? You can help us by canvasing friends and organizations with this form. Click for printable form.

See below for definitions of Actor, Ally, and Accomplice.

Accomplice

The actions of an Accomplice are meant to directly challenge institutionalized racism, colonization, and White supremacy by blocking or impeding racist people, policies, and structures. Realizing that our freedoms and liberations are bound together, retreat or withdrawal in the face of oppressive structures is not an option.  Accomplices’ actions are informed by, directed and often coordinated with leaders who are Black, Brown First Nations/Indigenous Peoples, and/or People of Color. Accomplices actively listen with respect, and understand that oppressed people are not monolithic in their tactics and beliefs. Accomplices aren’t motivated by personal guilt or shame. They are not emotionally fragile. Accomplices build trust through consent and being accountable – this means not acting in isolation where there is no accountability.

Who Does Safety Pin Box Support?

Safety Pin Box benefits all people involved, but is specifically geared at supporting Black women & femmes who are contributing to the movement for Black lives.

Every month, Safety Pin Box will give one-time financial gifts to individual Black women who have demonstrated a commitment to serving Black people. Financial gift recipients will be featured in that month’s box at their discretion, and will be invited to contribute to that month’s task writing. Any and all Black women contributing to Black liberation in any way are encouraged to apply and recipients will be chosen at random each month from Black women applicants in our pool. The more subscribers we have, the more Black women we can support. Subscription fees, as a form of reparations, go directly to supporting Black women freedom fighters every month.

Learn More Click  https://www.safetypinbox.com/black-women-being/

YOU ARE PROTECTED ONLY IF WE THE  PROTECTED CLASSES ORGANIZE AND JOIN WITH  POOR PEOPLE  AND STOP THE POLICIES OF DONALD TRUMP.

This is a needed conversation every night. What strategies can we use to protect our freedoms, families, healthcare, environment, air, schools, our vote, and to stop wars.

START A FIRST THURSDAY COFFEE DISCUSSION GROUP WITH 5-10 OTHERS

Please come back to 4comculture.com to our browse menu for past articles.

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WHY?          Let us know in the Contacts / Comments form at the bottom of this post.

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Maria Cantwell Town Hall Video:

https://www.facebook.com/senatorcantwell/videos/1987392528204307/

Cathy McMorris Rodgers Town Hall Video:

https://www.facebook.com/ksps/videos/vb.60581587193/10154911576702194/?type=2&theater

Who was at Cathy McMorris Rodgers Town Hall?

https://4comculture.com/archives/11144

Want to know what Black people are doing?

https://4comculture.com/archives/11203

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Enjoying the photographs won’t bring change. If you are interested in change click the link:

https://4comculture.com/empowerment/local-action-in-spokane-how-do-i-get-involved

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Cathy McMorris Rodgers Town Hall Video:

https://www.facebook.com/ksps/videos/vb.60581587193/10154911576702194/?type=2&theater

Maria Cantwell Town Hall Video:

https://www.facebook.com/senatorcantwell/videos/1987392528204307/

Who Showed Up at Maria Cantwell’s Town Hall?

https://4comculture.com/archives/11220

As you view photographs of activities here in Spokane on 4comculture.com you may notice that there are very few people of color or affected classes.

WHY?         Let us know in the Contacts / Comments form below.

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Marchers marched past East Central Community Center where a farewell and retirement dinner for Chuck and Evelyn Anderton occurred. Two celebrations Juneteenth. One struggled for emancipation. The other celebrated emancipation from the job and escape from Spokane’s plantation. Enjoy your Retirement!

On the eve of the Juneteenth march some of the Black religious community gave awards and had a catfish dinner.  Excess catfish was sold to marchers at the BBQ concluding the rally, march and protest.