Authority Quote by Bob Dylan
“For them that must obey authority/That they do not respect in any degree/Who despise their jobs, their destinies/Speak jealously of them that are free”
About This Quote
Source Song: "The Times They Are A-Changin'" (1964) lyric
The quote critiques those who obey oppressive authority while resenting their own constrained fate, highlighting hypocrisy of envy toward freedom.
In simple terms: People resent authority they must follow and envy those who are free.
Key Takeaway
Question the value of obedience when it conflicts with personal integrity.
Themes
hypocrisy
authority
envy
Mood
defiant
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- workplace oppression
- political regimes
- social movements
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
social control
personal freedom
psychological conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you accept authority that contradicts your values?
- How does envy affect your view of freedom?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook systemic pressures that limit choice, making obedience a survival strategy.
![“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)