Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket

Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket

Eric Hoffer, a renowned American philosopher and author, once famously said, “Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket.” This quote encapsulates the evolution of social movements and the inherent challenges they face as they grow and evolve over time.

At the outset, a cause typically starts as a grassroots movement driven by passionate individuals who are deeply committed to a particular issue or ideology. These early activists are often motivated by a sense of moral duty or a desire for social change. They are willing to sacrifice their time, energy, and resources to advance their cause and bring about positive change in society.

As the movement gains momentum and attracts more followers, it may transition into a more formalized structure, such as a nonprofit organization or advocacy group. This shift from a grassroots movement to a business-like entity is often necessary to sustain the cause and achieve its goals on a larger scale. However, this transition can also bring about new challenges, such as the need for funding, organizational hierarchy, and strategic planning.

Over time, as the cause becomes more established and successful, there is a risk that it may lose sight of its original mission and values. The focus may shift from creating meaningful impact to generating revenue, expanding influence, or maintaining power. This shift can lead to the cause degenerating into a racket, where the primary goal is self-preservation and personal gain rather than serving the greater good.

Hoffer’s quote serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential pitfalls that social movements face as they evolve. It highlights the importance of staying true to one’s principles, remaining vigilant against corruption and exploitation, and continuously reassessing the organization’s goals and priorities. By recognizing the stages of development that a cause may go through, activists and leaders can work to prevent their movement from devolving into a mere business or racket and instead strive to maintain its integrity and impact over the long term.