If you’ve read Lou Keep’s review on Samzdat, do you think it’s worth spending the time to read True Believer itself?
Yes! Hoffer’s book is as clear as humanly possible, while Lou Keep’s review is more impressionistic.
I think reading second-hand impressions of Hoffer is like reading second-hand impressions of Machiavelli. There’s no way they can come close to the real thing.
Do you have any opinions on what comes closest if I just want a quick summary? Unfortunately, I found Samzdat’s article hard to follow due to the style.
Yes! Hoffer’s book is as clear as humanly possible, while Lou Keep’s review is more impressionistic.
I think reading second-hand impressions of Hoffer is like reading second-hand impressions of Machiavelli. There’s no way they can come close to the real thing.
Oh man, I guess this means I have to actually read The Prince now too. I should have known better than to ask!
Do you have any opinions on what comes closest if I just want a quick summary? Unfortunately, I found Samzdat’s article hard to follow due to the style.
The summary on Wikipedia is good.