Abbie Hoffman

Date of Birth: November 30, 1936

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: April 12, 1989

Biography

Abbot Howard “Abbie” Hoffman was an influential American social and political activist who co-founded the Youth International Party (“Yippies”) and was a prominent figure in the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Hoffman became a symbol of the anti-Vietnam War movement and was known for his theatrical and often controversial protests. His most notable acts included the Chicago Seven trial, where he and others were charged with conspiracy and inciting a riot during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Hoffman was known for his wit, charisma, and ability to harness media attention to further his causes. Throughout his life, he authored several books, including “Revolution for the Hell of It” and “Steal This Book,” which became a counterculture classic. Despite facing numerous legal battles and spending years underground to avoid arrest, Hoffman remained a steadfast advocate for social justice and civil rights until his death.

5 Interesting Facts about Abbie Hoffman

1. Abbie Hoffman co-founded the Youth International Party (Yippies), which was known for its theatrical protests against the establishment.

2. He was one of the Chicago Seven, a group of anti-Vietnam War protesters charged with conspiracy and inciting to riot during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

3. Hoffman wrote “Steal This Book,” a guide to living freely and protesting the status quo, which became a bestseller despite being banned in many bookstores.

4. He went underground for several years in the 1970s to avoid arrest on drug charges, during which he lived under the alias “Barry Freed.”

5. Hoffman was a passionate environmentalist and was involved in several protests against environmental degradation later in his life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Abbie Hoffman

1. “The first duty of a revolutionary is to get away with it.”

2. “You measure a democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists.”

3. “The key to organizing an alternative society is to organize people around what they can do, and more importantly, what they want to do.”

4. “Free speech means the right to shout ‘theatre’ in a crowded fire.”

5. “The ’60s are gone, dope will never be as cheap, sex never as free, and the rock and roll never as great.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Abbie Hoffman was not known for accumulating wealth; his highest net worth is not well-documented, as he dedicated his life to activism and often lived modestly.

Children

Abbie Hoffman had three children: 1. Andrew Hoffman, his son with his first wife Sheila Karklin. 2. America Hoffman, his son with his second wife Anita Hoffman. 3. Amy Hoffman, his daughter with Anita Hoffman.