Eric HofferEric Hoffer, (1902-1983) American author, philosopher, awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

Eric Hoffer Quote

“You can never get enough of what you don't really need.”

Eric HofferEric Hoffer
~ Eric Hoffer


Ratings and Comments


Elizabeth, Corona

I think This Qoute is really true!!

Heidi, Boise, ID

True and very succinct! He hit the nail on the head!

KS., Queensbury,NY.

Unfortunately, it seems that this is true for alot of people. Maybe for most of us but for those of us that do not wear this shoe, we live truer, happier and simpler lives that are more rewarding when we remove all the exteraneous baggage and unnecessary elements from our lives and work for what we need to fulfill our destinies.

Mike, Norwalk

I don't know if I should give it 5 stars for the unfortunate truism stated or, a thumbs down for the unfortunate truism stated ;-) Kinda went with KS on this one.

RobertSRQ
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RobertSRQ    8/8/08

The Free Market and Capitalists mantra

jim k, austin

Ks may be right, but the things I don't need make life a little better and more fun.

E Archer, NYC

What we don't need does not fulfill. I think this describes most government 'solutions' that seem to be never-ending, a burden on the tax payer, and yet still leave us wanting.

Ken, Allyn, WA

I can. I have just about everything I want. If I wanted it, I'd buy it; but I don't. That is the key to a living debt free, and when you are debt free you are no one's slave. Never getting enough of what you don't need leads to your own bondage.

Logan, Memphis, TN

Luckily, the ability to get whatever I want, need, or THINK I need is my inalienable right -- so long as I do not infringe upon another's ability of doing so as well. "Don't Tread On Me"

Kevin Shearer

When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. GET A CLUE PEOPLE.

jim k, austin

Kevin, you sound a lot like those folk who want to tell everyone else how to live. I think that we have a "clue", about you, at any rate.

E Archer, NYC

Kevin, I am not sure why every couple weeks you repeat your mantra, "When you change the way you look at things,the things you look at change." And I am not sure how it applies here. Secondly, things don't change because you change the way you look at them -- your view does. In essense, what you see is NEVER what the thing is, it is your 'view' of it. Changing your view is just that, the change of view -- the thing is still the same. Is the cup half full or half empty? It's both, but it is still a one liter glass with 500 ml of water in it -- that doesn't change with a change of view. It's a cute slogan, but it actually promotes the idea that there is no truth, only opinions, and if we all could just change our mind to your way of thinking, all would be well (even if it isn't). The power of positive thinking has its place -- but not as a substitute for reality.

Waffler, Smith, Arkansas

Logan and Jim for once I am with you guys 100%. Life would be a bore if we only had what we need. The commune can take care of all of that for us ("to each according to his need") and to hell with individuality and personal desire. I am shocked that more on this site did not catch the danger of this quote as you have.

Waffler, Smith, Arkansas

PS: Questions often need to be addressed from different disciplines and one will then come up with different and seemingly opposite answers. From a spiritual standpoint simplifying the tappings of life can be rewarding and fulfilling. This site generally purports to address the issue of Liberty and Freedom and thus from a politcal pholosopy point of view again I agree with Logan and Jim. In addition ones selection among many possible spiritual choices is also a question of Liberty and Freedom.

Waffler, Smith, Arkansas

Archer there is an area of philosophy that says mankind is a co-creator of reality out of the imaginings of his own mind. Man has a tremendous impact on the earth and is not just an observer and object of earths naturalness. So I suggest that there is something to be said for Kevins oft repeated phrase. Kevin can you expound on your use of the phrase for us and give us some further clues.

warren, olathe

Nope.

brenda, scituate

Right?

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