Vehment Profession

 

On Page 43 of his book, The Passionate State of Mind, Eric Hoffer has two entries which I quote and then will comment on.

 

Hoffer: “            62

 

If what we profess is not an organic part of our understanding, we are likely to profess it with vehemence and intolerance. Intolerance is the ‘Do Not Touch’ sign on something that cannot bear touching. We do not mind having our hair ruffled, but we will not tolerate any familiarity with the toupee which covers our baldness.”

 

My response: What is true is a proposition that the individual can declare without vehemence, radicalized passion, or coercive intolerance of opposing opinions. That individual will be an individuator that is calm, happy, self-esteeming and moderate in his declarations, because he fully knows that his statements are solidly backed up by facts in the real world, by the validity and soundness of his argument, and by evidence accrued in the world. Truth is organic to his nature.

 

Were he instead a nonindividuator, dedicated to living a life of sin and avoidance of duty as an undisciplined shirker encapsulated in the collective hiding place, there he would offer the rationales and doctrines favored by the adherents of his holy cause. It would all be fluff and nonsense so he must vehemently assert that it is the absolute truth about his one true faith.

 

Hoffer: “            63

 

The uncompromising attitude is more indicative of an inner uncertainty than of deep conviction. The implacable stand is directed more against the doubt within than the assailant without.”

 

My response: Hoffer is Mavellonialist in his thinking in that he concluded by 1940 that the truth is moderate, egoist, individualistic, rational more than emotional; reasonable compromise is desirable, good, and loving.

 

The uncompromising attitude is aligned with fanaticism, lying, evil, groupism, passionate enthusiasm, hatred of self and others, intolerance, forced compliance, unwilling to accept freedom of thought and speech in others. The absolutist usually is not absolutely right or absolutely virtuous, but his absolute passion is a protest in the world that he must hide what is from a damage self which would be shattered once the light of truth shined upon his dank, twisted soul.