---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Unity and self-sacrifice, of themselves…"
description: "\"Unity and self-sacrifice, of themselves, even when fostered by the most noble means, produce a facility for hating. Even when men league themselves mig..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e51/eric-hoffer-343_earth_unity-and-self-sacrifice-of-themselves-e_1385614.jpg"
---

#  Unity and self-sacrifice, of themselves, even when…

![“Unity and self-sacrifice, of themselves, even when fostered by the most noble means, produce a facility for hating. Even when men league themselves mightily together to promote tolerance and peace on earth, they are likely to be violently intolerant toward those not of a like mind.” quote by Eric Hoffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e51/eric-hoffer-343_earth_unity-and-self-sacrifice-of-themselves-e_1385614.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e51/eric-hoffer-343_earth_unity-and-self-sacrifice-of-themselves-e_1385614.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e51/eric-hoffer-343_earth_unity-and-self-sacrifice-of-themselves-e_1385614.jpg)

> “Unity and self-sacrifice, of themselves, even when fostered by the most noble means, produce a facility for hating. Even when men league themselves mightily together to promote tolerance and peace on earth, they are likely to be violently intolerant toward those not of a like mind.”

[Eric Hoffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-hoffer/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People who unite under noble ideals can develop intense hatred toward outsiders, leading to violent intolerance despite professed goals of peace.

**In simple terms:** Noble causes can breed hatred of those who differ.

Key Takeaway

Beware groupthink that fuels exclusion.

Themes

intolerance group dynamics ideology violence peace

Mood

cautious critical reflective

Type

philosophical political warning

When to use this quote

- political movements
- religious sects
- nationalism
- activist groups

Key Concepts

psychology social identity in-group/out-group bias

Questions to Reflect On

- How can groups stay inclusive while pursuing strong values?
- What safeguards prevent noble aims from turning hostile?

A Different Perspective

Even well‑intentioned groups may become oppressive toward dissenters.

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