The self-despisers are less intent on their own increase than on the diminution of others. Where self-esteem is unobtainable, envy takes the place of greed.
Interpretation
People who lack self-esteem often focus more on undermining others than on improving themselves.
This quote by Eric Hoffer suggests that individuals who struggle with self-despisal tend to be more concerned with reducing the success and happiness of others rather than seeking to elevate their own status. When self-worth is elusive, feelings of envy can replace the normal human drive for personal growth and ambition, indicating a deeper psychological issue where individuals project their discontent onto others rather than addressing their own shortcomings.
In practice
In a discussion about personal development, one might say, 'As Eric Hoffer pointed out, the self-despisers focus on diminishing others rather than increasing themselves.'
Language was invented to ask questions. Answers may be given by grunts and gestures, but questions must be spoken. Humanness came of age when man asked the first question. Social stagnation results not from a lack of answers but from the absence of the impulse to ask questions.
Faith in humanity, in posterity, in the destiny of one's religion, nation, race, party or family-what is it but the visualization of that eternal something to which we attach the self that is about to be annihilated?
You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you.
Our frustration is greater when we have much and want more than when we have nothing and want some. We are less dissatisfied when we lack many things than when we seem to lack but one thing.
Our credulity is greatest concerning the things we know least about.
Perhaps a modern society can remain stable only by eliminating adolescence, by giving its young, from the age of ten, the skills, responsibilities, and rewards of grownups, and opportunities for action in all spheres of life. Adolescence should be a time of useful action, while book learning and scholarship should be a preoccupation of adults.
Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers.
Without authority there is no liberty. Freedom is doomed to destruction at every turn, unless there is a recognized right to freedom. And if there are rights, there is an authority to which we appeal for them.
So few humans seem to fully exist themselves that I wonder if all this endless speculation and haggling about God is really an exploration of a more interesting and embarrassing question about ourselves.
All those who actually live the mysteries of life haven't the time to write, and all those who have the time don't live them! D'you see?
Karma, when properly understood, is just the mechanics through which consciousness manifests.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
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