Authority Quote by Benjamin Franklin
“It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Pennsylvania Assembly, 1755
Citizens must actively question those in power.
In simple terms: Question authority as a civic duty.
Key Takeaway
Engage in critical inquiry of leadership.
Themes
civic duty
authority
critical thinking
Mood
cautious
empowering
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Voting
- community meetings
- media consumption
Key Concepts
Democracy
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What questions should citizens ask leaders?
- How can critique be constructive?
A Different Perspective
May lead to distrust if not balanced with constructive dialogue.
![“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)