On mass movements

"The vigor of a mass movement stems from the
propensity of its followers for united action and
self-sacrifice. When we ascribe the success of a
movement to its faith, doctrine, propaganda,
leadership, ruthlessness and so on, we are but
referring to instruments of unification and to
means used to inculcate a readiness for self-
sacrifice. It is perhaps impossible to understand
the nature of a mass movement unless it is
recognized that their chief preoccupation is to
foster, perfect and perpetuate a facility for
united action and self-sacrifice."
-- Eric Hoffer