Inspirational Quotes by Sidney Hook (American Social Philosopher)

Sidney Hook (1902–89) was an American educator and social philosopher who studied historical theory about American philosophy. He was among the first U.S. scholars to analyze Marxism. He was firmly opposed to all forms of totalitarianism, holding liberal democracy the most viable political structure for social and scientific advancement.

Born in New York City, Hook earned a doctorate from Columbia University (1927,) with educator John Dewey as his mentor. He was a professor at New York University (1932–72.) An expositor of the work of Dewey and Karl Marx, Hook was politically active, first as a spokesperson for Marxism but latterly as a leading social democrat. After retirement, he became a senior research fellow at the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace at Stanford University (1973–89.)

Hook was an exponent of pragmatism, secularism, and rationalism. He advocated a general philosophy of personal development. His notable books are Towards an Understanding of Karl Marx (1933,) From Hegel to Marx (1936,) John Dewey: An Intellectual Portrait (1936,) Heresy, Yes. Conspiracy, No (1953,) and Revolution, Reform and Social Justice (1976.)

Hook’s autobiography is Out of Step: An Unquiet Life in the 20th Century (1987.)

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