Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength.

Hello, I am Eric Hoffer, the author and philosopher who once said, “Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength.” Today, I want to reflect on what this quote meant when I first expressed it and how its relevance has evolved in our modern world. When I first wrote those words, I observed human behavior through the lens of my time—a world recovering from war, grappling with industrial changes, and navigating the delicate balance of power in society. Rudeness often emerged in interactions where individuals felt powerless. It was a façade, a way to mask vulnerability and project dominance. In truth, it was not strength but insecurity that gave birth to rudeness—a desperate attempt to impose oneself when genuine authority or courage was lacking.