Eric Hoffer Quotes

It is our knowledge - the things we are sure of - that makes the world go wrong and keeps us from seeing and learning.

It is not possible to unknow what you do know - the result of that is fanaticism.

Ignorance breeds fear.

There are two things which cannot be attacked in front: ignorance and narrow-mindedness.

Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know.

The bulk of mankind, even in those nations which are most celebrated for learning and wisdom, are still carried down the torrents of superstition, and entertain very unworthy apprehensions

Ignorance is less remote from the truth than prejudice.

The prejudices of ignorance are more easily removed than the prejudices of interest; the first are blindly adopted; the second wilfully preferred.

The ignorant are to be found as much among the educated as among the uneducated.

There is simple ignorance, not knowing, and willful ignorance that refuses to know, that covers the light of knowledge with the dark blanket of bias.

If one harbours anywhere in one's mind a nationalistic loyalty or hatred, certain facts, although in a sense known to be true, are inadmissible.

Ignorance is the parent of fear.

Ignorance and prejudice are the handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission, therefore, is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance, and isolation with the outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will, and must be defeated.

Beware of current truths.

'Push back' is the word; that's what we gotta do against ignorance. I see so much of it, and it's dangerous.

The more you think you know, the more closed-minded you'll be.

There are two extremes to be avoided: one is the attitude of contempt toward education, the other is the tragic snobbery of assuming that marching through an educational system is a sure cure for ignorance and mediocrity.

The greatest obstacle to discovering the truth is being convinced that you already know it.

If we take something to be the truth, we may cling to it so much that when the truth comes and knocks on our door, we won't want to let it in.

Anybody who gives you a belief system is your enemy, because the belief system becomes the barrier for your eyes, you cannot see the truth.

Opinion is the death of knowledge.

Answers given with authority negate the search for truth.

Zeal without knowledge is the sister of folly.

Ignorance once dispelled is difficult to reestablish.

Ignorance is the source of hatred, and the way to get rid of ignorance is realization.