Stoppable

 

On Pages 107 and 108 of his book, The True Believer, Eric Hoffer discussed if a mass movement can be stopped by force. I quote him and then comment on his content.

 

Hoffer (H after this): “                              87

 

The assertion that a mass movement cannot be stopped by force is not literally true. Force can stop and crush even the most vigorous movement. But to do so the force must be ruthless and persistent. And here is where faith enters as an indispensable factor. For a persecution that is ruthless and persistent can only come from fanatical conviction. ‘Any violence which does not spring from a firm, spiritual base, will be wavering and uncertain. It lacks the stability which can only rest in a fanatical outlook.’ The terrorism which emanates from individual brutality neither goes far enough nor lasts long enough. It is spasmodic, subject to moods and hesitations. ‘But as soon as force wavers or alternates with forbearance, not only will the doctrine to be repressed recover again and again, but it will be in a position to draw new benefit from every persecution.’ The holy terror only knows no limit and never flags.

 

Thus it seems that we need ardent faith not only to be able to resist coercion, but also to be able to exercise it effectively.”

 

My response: Note that individual brutality or coercion or evil is not so powerful, coercive, violent, fanatical, evil and permanent as mass movement brutality exercised by true believers upon their victims.