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people are remarkably receptive to new rules in a new…

“people are remarkably receptive to new rules in a new setting. They are surprisingly willing to harm and kill others in the service of some new purpose if they are so instructed by a new authority.” quote by Timothy Snyder
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““people are remarkably receptive to new rules in a new setting. They are surprisingly willing to harm and kill others in the service of some new purpose if they are so instructed by a new authority.””

Timothy Snyder

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote observes that people readily follow new rules and authorities, even to the point of harming others, when placed in a novel context.

In simple terms: New authority can drive harmful obedience.

Key Takeaway

Question authority and protect ethical standards.

Themes

politics psychology ethics

Mood

cautionary analytical

Type

political psychological

When to use this quote

  • workplace changes
  • political movements
  • military orders
  • social experiments

Key Concepts

conformity obedience to authority

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards can prevent blind obedience?
  • How do you recognize legitimate authority?
A Different Perspective

It may overstate uniform compliance across cultures.

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