The True Believer shows how the same human frustrations drive all mass movements—whether social, political or religious.
People join mass movements to escape their ineffectual and helpless individual self.
Eric Hoffer wrote this book 70 years ago, but it's still frighteningly relevant today.
"Faith in a holy cause is to a considerable extent a substitute for the lost faith in ourselves." —Eric Hoffer
Propaganda is an eye-opening look at how public opinion can be manipulated through media, for political power and profit.
Edward Bernays says that in politics, an "invisible government" of thought leaders shape public discussion.
And in business, companies use "public relations" techniques to control their reputation.
"The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society." —Edward Bernays
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is the life story of one of the Founding Fathers of America.
Franklin is often described as a "self-made man" and "The First American" because of his lifelong dedication to values like enthusiastic work, self-education and personal improvement.
"Human [happiness] is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen, as by little advantages that occur every day." —Benjamin Franklin
1984 is a novel about a terrifying future where everyone is controlled by a totalitarian political "Party" led by "Big Brother." George Orwell predicted many real-life methods of government overreach including: strict censorship, mass surveillance, "Thought Police," manipulation of language, and rewriting history.
"Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past." —George Orwell
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is a self-help book that explains how powerful people have gained and maintained their control over the centuries.
While controversial for its manipulative tactics, this book also shares eye-opening insights into history, strategy, and human nature.
"Powerful people impress and intimidate by saying less. The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish." —Robert Greene
Fast Food Nation reveals how big fast food companies reshaped America in pursuit of profit.
Eric Schlosser shows how marketing aimed at kids created an explosion of obesity, how big corporations have eliminated many small farmers, and why meatpacking plants can be extremely unsafe and unclean workplaces.
"The typical American now consumes approximately three hamburgers and four orders of french fries every week." —Eric Schlosser