Meaning: The quote "Where everything is possible, miracles become commonplaces, but the familiar ceases to be self-evident" by Eric Hoffer, a prominent American philosopher and author, encapsulates a profound observation about human perception and the nature of experience. This thought-provoking statement invites us to contemplate the paradoxical relationship between the extraordinary and the mundane, and how our perception of the world is shaped by the boundaries of possibility.

In essence, Hoffer's quote suggests that in an environment or mindset where everything is deemed possible, extraordinary events or occurrences lose their exceptional status and become commonplace. Conversely, the things that are familiar to us, which we often take for granted, no longer appear self-evident or inherently understandable.

One way to interpret this quote is through the concept of familiarity breeding contempt. When extraordinary events or phenomena become the norm, they lose their ability to inspire awe or wonder. Similarly, when the familiar is no longer perceived as self-evident, it prompts us to reevaluate and appreciate the everyday aspects of our lives that we often overlook.

From a philosophical perspective, Hoffer's quote can be seen as a commentary on the human tendency to seek novelty and excitement, often at the expense of appreciating the ordinary. In a world where anything is deemed possible, there is a danger of becoming desensitized to the miraculous and extraordinary, leading to a devaluation of the very experiences that once held great significance.

Furthermore, the quote can be interpreted in the context of cognitive psychology and the role of perception in shaping our reality. Our beliefs and expectations influence how we perceive and interpret the world around us. If we are conditioned to believe that anything is possible, we may become numb to the wonder of exceptional occurrences, while simultaneously questioning the validity of the familiar.

On a societal level, Hoffer's quote could be seen as a commentary on the impact of a culture that constantly seeks the next big thing and prizes novelty above all else. In such a culture, the extraordinary becomes mundane, and the familiar loses its intrinsic value, leading to a sense of disillusionment and dissatisfaction with the everyday.

In conclusion, Eric Hoffer's quote offers a thought-provoking reflection on the interplay between possibility, perception, and the value we assign to the extraordinary and the familiar. It serves as a reminder to safeguard our capacity for awe and appreciation, while also recognizing the inherent value of the seemingly mundane aspects of our lives. Ultimately, it prompts us to consider how our beliefs and expectations shape our experience of the world, and to cultivate a balanced perspective that acknowledges the power of both the extraordinary and the familiar in shaping our lives.