Eric Hoffer
Mass movements are driven less by personal advancement than by a strong urge for self-renunciation among frustrated individuals seeking an escape from a meaningless existence.
True believers are not motivated mainly by personal advancement but by a deep passion for self-renunciation, seeking an escape from a self they view as spoiled or meaningless.
The specific doctrines of a mass movement are often interchangeable, as the frustrated individual's primary need is a holy cause to which they can surrender their identity.
A movement is pioneered by men of words who discredit the existing order, materialized by uncompromising fanatics who thrive on chaos, and consolidated by practical men of action.