Authority Quote by Antonin Sertillanges
““The more a man departs from lawful authority, that is, authority normally constituted, whether by God or by the nature of things, the more he is obliged to fall back into arbitrary claims to authority.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Theologia Scholastica, Antonin Sertillanges, 1905
When people reject established authority, they tend to create their own arbitrary power structures.
In simple terms: Rejecting authority leads to new, unchecked claims.
Key Takeaway
Question authority, but seek legitimate foundations.
Themes
authority
legitimacy
power
philosophy
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political movements
- organizational leadership
- personal decision making
- legal reforms
Key Concepts
social contract
anarchism
ethical reasoning
Questions to Reflect On
- What legitimate sources can replace fallen authority?
- How do we balance skepticism with stability?
A Different Perspective
Unchecked authority can lead to chaos and abuse.
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