WIST Quotations

Hoffer, Eric -- Passionate State of Mind, Aphorism 60 (1955)

Dave — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:34:36 +0000

Vehemence is the expression of a blind effort to support and uphold something that can never stand on its own — something rootless, incoherent, and incomplete. Whether it is our own meaningless self we are upholding or some doctrine devoid of evidence, we can do it only in a frenzy of faith.

Eric Hoffer (1902-1983) American writer, philosopher, longshoreman
Passionate State of Mind, Aphorism 60 (1955)
(Source)

Burke, Edmund -- Speech on Economical Reform, House of Commons (11 Feb 1780)

Dave — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 19:18:52 +0000

They defend their errors as if they were defending their inheritance.

Edmund Burke (1729-1797) Anglo-Irish statesman, orator, philosopher
Speech on Economical Reform, House of Commons (11 Feb 1780)
(Source)

Chillingworth, William -- (Attributed)

Dave — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 13:27:09 +0000

Passionate expression and vehement assertion are no arguments, unless it be of the weakness of the cause that is defended by them, or of the man that defends it.

William Chillingworth (1602-1644) English churchman and theologian
(Attributed)
(Source)

Quoted in The Parliamentary History of England, Vol. 15, 29 George II, "Debate on a Motion for a Vote of Censor on the Treaties with Russia and Hesse Cassel (1755)" (1813)

Hoffer, Eric -- Passionate State of Mind, Aphorism 62 (1955)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

If what we profess is not an organic part of our understanding, we are likely to profess it with vehemence and intolerance. Intolerance is the “Do Not Touch” sign on something that cannot bear touching. We do not mind having our hair ruffled, but we will not tolerate any familiarity with the toupee which covers our baldness.

Eric Hoffer (1902-1983) American writer, philosopher, longshoreman
Passionate State of Mind, Aphorism 62 (1955)
(Source)