That which corrodes the souls of the persecuted is the monstrous inner agreement with the prevailing prejudice against them.
Interpretation
Inner agreement with prejudice can be damaging to those who are persecuted.
This quote by Eric Hoffer emphasizes the psychological toll that societal prejudice can have on individuals who are persecuted. It suggests that when victims of prejudice begin to internalize the negative beliefs held against them, they suffer a deeper corrosion of their soul, as they may lose their sense of self-worth and identity in the face of such discrimination.
In practice
During a speech on social justice, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance in the face of discrimination.
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.
This society is driven by neurotic speed and force accelerated by greed and frustration of not being able to live up to the image of men and woman we have created for ourselves; the image has nothing to do with the reality of people.
God bears with the wicked, but not forever.
The Few assume to be the deputies, but they are often only the despoilers of the Many.
The trick. . .is to find the balance between the bright colors of humor and the serious issues of identity, self-loathing, and the possibility for intimacy and love when it seems no longer possible or, sadder yet, no longer necessary.
I have heard something said about allegiance to the South. I know no South, no North, no East, no West, to which I owe any allegiance.
If you allow a political catchword to go on and grow, you will awaken some day to find it standing over you, arbiter of your destiny, against which you are powerless.
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