Attitude Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“We submit to the majority because we have to. But we are not compelled to call our attitude of subjection a posture of respect.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Nature of Authority, 1900
People obey majority out of necessity, not respect; compliance can be pragmatic rather than reverent.
In simple terms: Obedience can be pragmatic, not respectful.
Recognize when conformity is forced.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political voting
- organizational policy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you question majority rule?
- How to express respectful disagreement?
Blind compliance may suppress dissent and innovation.