Authority Quote by Barbara Tuchman
“If it is not profitable for the common good that authority should be retained, it ought to be relinquished.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Proud Tower, Barbara Tuchman, 1966
Authority should serve the public interest; if it fails, it must be given up.
In simple terms: Authority must benefit the people, otherwise give it up.
Key Takeaway
Give up power that harms the common good.
Themes
politics
ethics
leadership
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government reform
- corporate governance
- community decision making
- nonprofit oversight
Key Concepts
social contract
public interest
legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we assess when authority no longer serves the common good?
- What mechanisms can ensure timely relinquishment?
A Different Perspective
Power can be entrenched even when harmful, making relinquishment difficult.
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