Authority Quote by Anton Chekhov
“Even while lying, you'll be believed if you speak with authority.”
About This Quote
Source Play: “The Seagull” (character dialogue)
Authority can make falsehoods seem credible; confidence can outweigh truth.
In simple terms: Confidence can convince others.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and verify claims.
Themes
trust
authority
deception
confidence
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
literary
ethical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- legal testimony
- public speaking
Key Concepts
Critical thinking
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you trust an authority figure?
- How can you test the truth of a claim?
A Different Perspective
Authority can be justified; not all confident claims are false.
![“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)