Passionate

 

On Page 82 of his book, The Passionate State of Mind, Eric Hoffer has two entries which I quote and comment on.

 

Hoffer: “          144

 

Men of strong passions are usually without compassion. The feeling for others is a ‘wee small voice’ that makes itself heard only in the quiet of an inner equilibrium. The passion for humanity even is not infrequently lacking in humanity.”

 

My response: By accident, Hoffer and I agree on so much. I have long believed that reasoning more than feeling leads to clear thinking, good decisions and acting in concert with one’s healthy, operative moral sense. Feeling is important, but passionate operating too often speak of a fanatic, both cruel, hateful, and living lies.

 

The moderate feeling about others, life, reality and how to proceed is revealed to one from benevolent, divine sources, of moderate intent.

 

The individual that is dispassionate and modest in expression and behavior is likely compassionate, while the theatrical, loud, screecher is passionate but without kindness.

 

 

Hoffer: “          145

 

To be fruitful, an enthusiasm should be but as a condiment. Pride in our country and race, dedication to justice, freedom, mankind, etc., must never be the main content of our lives, but an accompaniment and an accessory.”

 

My response: Hoffer is an ethical moderate, and he disavows enthusiasm, fanaticism, true believer-ship, joining a mass movement, group-living (implied), wide-open dedication to an adopted holy cause.