Chosen Quote by Eric Hoffer
“It is a talent of the weak to persuade themselves that they suffer for something when they suffer from something; that they are showing the way when they are running away; that they see the light when they feel the heat; that they are chosen when they are shunned.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The True Believer, Eric Hoffer, 1951
People often convince themselves they are suffering for a cause, but it’s usually a self‑justification to avoid confronting discomfort.
In simple terms: Self‑justification masks true discomfort.
Key Takeaway
Question your motives when feeling victimized.
Themes
self‑deception
victimhood
justification
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- political protest
- career setbacks
- relationship conflicts
Key Concepts
psychology
cognitive bias
identity
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do you label your pain as noble?
- What does “showing the way” really mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Self‑justification can prevent honest self‑assessment.
![“[In science any model depends on a pre-chosen taxonomy] a set of classifications into which we divide the enormous complexity of the real world... Land, labor, and capital are extremely heterogeneous aggregates, not much better than earth, air, fire, and water.” quote by Kenneth E. Boulding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/47e/kenneth-e-boulding-3728_air_in-science-any-model-depends-on-a-pre-ch_12383.jpg)
