Questioned

 

 

On Page 122 of his book, The Passionate State of Mind, Eric Hoffer writes three entries which I quote and then comment on.

 

 

Hoffer: “          220

 

To spell out the obvious is often to call it into question.”

 

That which is customary, or routine is so familiar that it is unquestioned backdrop. To spell out the obvious is the highlight the routine and obvious in a new way to highlight some fascinating facet of it heretofore not detected, or to criticize the normalcy of some unjust tradition.

 

 

Hoffer: “          221

 

Men weary as much of not doing the things they want to do as of things they do not want to do.”

 

My response: It leaves an indelible mark on our souls, not to do what we want to do and were born to do. After time has passed; our self-contempt will be a regular feature in our personal psychology. Nothing makes us feel so empty and weary as goals left unmet.

 

 

 

Hoffer: “          222

 

You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you.”

 

My response: Discover how he attacks you, and then turn the tables on him.