Does it follow that I reject all authority? Perish the…
““Does it follow that I reject all authority? Perish the thought. In the matter of boots, I defer to the authority of the bootmaker; concerning houses, canals, or railroads, I consult the architect or the engineer For such special knowledge I apply to such a "savant." But I allow neither the bootmaker nor the architect nor the "savant" to impose his authority on me. I listen to them freely and with all the respect merited by their intelligence, their character, their knowledge, reserving always my incontestable right of criticism and censure. I do not content myself with consulting a single authority in any special branch; I consult several; I compare their opinions and choose that which seems to me soundest. But I recognize no infallible authority, even m special questions; consequently, whatever respect I may have for the honesty and the sincerity of an individual, I have no absolute faith in any person. Such a faith would be fatal to my reason, to my liberty, and even to the success of my undertakings; it would immediately transform me into a stupid slave, the tool of other people's will and interests.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advocates critical independence: respect expertise but reject unquestioned authority to preserve liberty and reason.
In simple terms: Critical independence over blind obedience
Key Takeaway
Authority must be questioned
Themes
individualism
critical thinking
political philosophy
liberty
skepticism
Mood
thoughtful
defiant
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- making personal decisions
- evaluating professional advice
- political activism
- academic research
- team leadership
Key Concepts
authority
expertise
criticism
freedom
Practical Applications
- policy analysis
- ethical decision‑making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance respect for expertise with personal judgment?
- When might trusting an authority be justified?