Causes - from boom to doom?

"Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket" - Eric Hoffer

There are no causes without followers; there is no growth without professionalization; there is no management without cynicism.

Now, it is NOT an iron law that all great causes end up going to waste.

If you do want a cause to live on -- don't set it up as a movement.

Great causes should NOT be movements.

Rather, causes should move people.

The difference is not subtle.

A great cause should be ideological, based on a fundamental truth or worldview -- inspiring people to care and get invested.

Movements, on the other hand, are political -- they derive their legitimacy and power from the numbers and enthusiasm of their followers.

As for political organizations - keep their reason for existing safe from the machinery of movements, businesses, and rackets.