Authority Quote by Alexis de Tocqueville
“As I see it, only God can be all-powerful without danger, because his wisdom and justice are always equal to his power. Thus there is no authority on earth so inherently worthy of respect, or invested with a right so sacred, that I would want to let it act without oversight or rule without impediment (p. 290).”
About This Quote
Source Book: Democracy in America, Volume II, 1835
Human authority must be checked by wisdom and justice; absolute power lacks moral balance.
In simple terms: Power needs moral checks.
Key Takeaway
Demand accountability for authority.
Themes
authority
justice
wisdom
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- corporate governance
- judicial oversight
- community leadership
Key Concepts
political theory
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Who should hold power accountable?
- What safeguards prevent misuse?
A Different Perspective
Power can be abused despite good intentions.
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)