“Hatred is the most accessible and comprehensive of all the unifying agents.” Fanatics are defined by viciousness, the urge to destroy, and the perpetual struggle for power.
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The True Believers of the Far Right
Eric Hoffer first popularized the concept in his book The True Believer in the 1950s. Today, political fanaticism has become more dangerous than ever, and adherents to the fever dream of the Far Right have "slipped the surly bonds of earth" to touch the face of insanity.
“Its theme is political fanaticism, with which it deals severely and brilliantly.” —New Yorker The famous bestseller with “concise insight into what drives the mind of the fanatic and the dynamics of a mass movement” (Wall St. Journal) by the legendary San Francisco longshoreman.
This is more than just the revival of conspiracy theories, which always lurk just beneath the surface of every society. This is far worse. Too many of our fellow citizens are adrift, lost, freaked-out, and willing to believe almost anything, especially if it helps to support their preexisting political narratives and tribal loyalties.
Listen to political scientists, pollsters and well-meaning elected officials, and you’ll likely hear a lot of chatter about “polarization.” That characterization of our current political environment misses the point — and is dangerous.
