Love

 

On Page 140 of his book, The Passionate State of Mind, Eric Hoffer writes three entries which I quote and then comment on.

 

 

 

Hoffer: “          275

 

The best reason for loving others is still that they love us.”

 

My response: It is always easier to love someone that loves the self. It may be that loving others can make the self-attractive and lovable to them, and then love is in the air.

 

It could be that loving oneself, without arrogance, showing off, or narcissism demonstrated, could lead to one being loved by others, especially if they are of a like-mind.

 

Whatever trigger social harmony or social pleasantness may be uncertain or variably caused, but it seems clear that where people want peace and love to be emphasized in interacting with others, there is then a proportionately enhanced opportunity for things to go well.

 

 

 

Hoffer: “          276

 

A great man greatest good luck is to die at the right time.”

 

My response: It could be that a famous great soul, being an individuator of huge singularity, brilliance and accomplishment, is naturally an enemy of the nonindividuating masses of any society in any generation. Great souls tend to be attacked by the pygmies surrounding them, and far outnumbering them.

 

If the great soul is fortunate to match the times and themes that he lives in, he may be respected, lionized, followed, and even revered. Hoffer points out that if he lives beyond his season in the sun, then the natural enmity between the jealous masses and the great soul is made raw and obvious, now that their tastes have moved on, and his have not.

 

Perhaps the only solution to this natural tension and rivalry is to train up the masses so, if they volunteer to shoulder their godly burden, they can grow to live mostly as individuating supercitizens, or active great souls.

 

When most everyone becomes a great soul, then it matters not if a long-in-the-tooth great soul outlives his generation or not.

 

 

 

Hoffer: “          277

 

We have a sense of power when we inflict pain—even if it be but on ourselves.”

 

My response: This malevolent power to hate, hurt and smash is the power of powerlessness, a thrilling, sadistic rush of pleasure when we inflict pain upon others or ourselves, or when we are eager to cooperate in inviting pain and punishment from others upon us, or through self-abuse.

 

The power of powerfulness is the power to love, restore and build, and the individuators is free and equal, and fair play is her motif. She vows to build and create while never abusing others or herself, nor allowing others to abuse her, nor allow herself to abuse herself.