I'm Just Sayin'

All mass movements generate in their adherents a readiness to die and a proclivity for united action; all of them, irrespective of the doctrine they preach and the program they project, breed fanaticism, enthusiasm, fervent hope, hatred and intolerance; all of them are capable of releasing a powerful flow of activity in certain departments of life; all of them demand blind faith and single hearted allegiance. Eric Hoffer..."THE TRUE BELIEVER Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements"

Eric Hoffer wrote these words over a half century ago. Hoffer maintains that fanaticism is the result of the frustrated mind. I wholeheartedly agree. Those who are most easily led are those who most need to be led. Those who are most easily led are those with low self esteem or troubled minds. Those who are most easily led are those most desperate for better circumstance or afraid of losing what they have.

My effort is not to criticize the weak, the weak in spirit, the weak in personal resolve or those with troubled minds, but to expose those who make prey of people who are willing or need to be led. The development of the fanatic as a tool for advancing a specific agenda is the subject of this essay. Hitler did it. The architects of the 9-11 attacks did it. Television preachers do it. The common denominator of all the instances of mass movement or mass control is the insistence to the devotee that he must have faith and he cannot question. "The awakening and renovation of a stagnant society or radical reforms in the character and pattern of life of a community are to be realized and perpetuated." (EH) This is the catalyst. " Religious, revolutionary and nationalist movements are such generating plants of general enthusiasm." (EH)  Enthusiasm is the goal of the leader of all mass movements. It is at this point, after  enthusiasm has been created within the flock, that the leader has gained control and it is at this point that dangers abound for his flock members and possibly all of society. It is at this point that his flock members have become tools.

Each of us must decide for ourselves how much control of our lives we want and how much we are willing to give to others. Sometimes a small seed of personal resolve, coupled with a little effort and willingness to take personal responsibility for oneself, can grow into a self reliant mindset which is far more rewarding than the addiction of allowing the influence of others to guide all that we are and all that we do.