The Passionate State of Mind: And Other Aphorisms (Library Binding)

by Eric Hoffer (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"There was genius in him, and an enormous intellectual stamina." -- Eric Sevareid, noted journalist & broadcaster --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description
Eric Hoffer--one of America's most important thinkers and the author of The True Believer--lived for years as a Depression Era migratory worker. Self-taught, his appetite for knowledge--history, science, mankind--formed the basis of his insight to human nature. The Passionate State of Mind is a collection of timeless aphorisms taken from his brilliant writings. THIS SPECIAL EDITION includes text handwritten message from Eric Hoffer. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Library Binding
• Publisher: Buccaneer Books (June 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568490321
• ISBN-13: 978-1568490328
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #988,288 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant follow-up to a classic, February 10, 2001

By	"mingus64" (Beatrice, NE USA) - See all my reviews

Eric Hoffer penned this book of aphorisms shortly after "The True Believer," undoubtably his masterpiece study on the psychology of mass movements and those who partake in them. This collection provides a similar challenge to the reader, as it takes poignant stabs into the human mind with Hoffer's trademark detachment.

At many points in reading this book, I had to stop and think about what one sentence had said, how others reflected in its mirror; indeed how I reflected in its mirror. It would take hours or even days before I could crack the book again and move on to the next selection. Many of the aphorisms remain ingrained in my head, and I often browse back through the book to reflect on what is there.

If you enjoyed "The True Believer," I believe you will duly enjoy "The Passionate State of Mind." If you are a lover of psychology/sociology, welcome to one of the classic books(and writers) of the 20th century. If you want a book that allows for intense reflection and self-examination, far more so than the hordes of so-called "self-help" books now available, this book can provide that and more. A great book by an all too forgotten penman.

67 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful statements to ponder and adjust to, May 9, 1999

By A Customer

Eric Hoffer is a thoughtful author, in the truest sense of the word. In his book, The Passionate State of Mind, Hoffer makes over two hundred deep and powerful statements to ponder and adjust to. I usually find that I read two or three of his aphorisms, put the book down, and spend several days evaluating my life with them. These "truisms" cover what motivates us to do the things we do, how we respond to others, and how to live life without catching on the usual snags. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a breath of fresh air in their thought life.

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A post graduate course in Dilbert, October 30, 2002

By	J D HARDY (Hardy, Arkansas USA) - See all my reviews

About fifteen years ago I took a copy of this book to work with me for a lunchtime read.
I still keep it here and I'm still absorbing it.

Hoffer profoundly illuminates the failings, foibles, and foolishness of human affairs, sometimes with dark wit and sometimes with pyrotechnics.

In it I always find aphorisms to describe any "workplace situation", and I use them liberally in letters, presentations, discussions and even responses to graffiti. Hoffer's insights have turned around many a situation for me.

The book gave me tremendous personal growth and a career boost as well.

Whether you're an evil HR director, or like myself just a workingman trying to navigate the waters of mid-life, this book will help you.

old jim hardy