Credulity Quote by Eric Hoffer
““There is apparently some connection between dissatisfaction with oneself and a proneness to credulity. The urge to escape our real self is also an urge to escape the rational and the obvious. The refusal to see ourselves as we are develops a distaste for facts and cold logic. There is no hope for the frustrated in the actual and the possible. Salvation can come to them only from the miraculous, which seeps through a crack in the iron wall of inexorable reality. They ask to be deceived. What Stresemann said of the Germans is true of the frustrated in general: "They pray not only for their daily bread, but also for their daily illusion." The rule seems to be that those who find no difficulty deceiving themselves are easily deceived by others. They are easily persuaded and led.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The True Believer, 1951
People dissatisfied with themselves tend to reject facts and embrace comforting falsehoods, making them vulnerable to manipulation.
In simple terms: Self‑discontent leads to belief in miracles and easy persuasion.
Key Takeaway
Question reality, seek facts.
Themes
self‑deception
illusion
persuasion
psychology
belief
Mood
reflective
critical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- critical thinking
- media literacy
- mental health
- leadership
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
identity crisis
miracle belief
Questions to Reflect On
- What facts do you avoid?
- How can you balance hope with reality?
A Different Perspective
They may resist evidence that challenges their comforting narratives.
