Authority Quote by Brandon Sanderson
“The most dangerous kind of man is not the one who spent his youth shoving others around. That kind of man gets lazy, and is often too content with his life to be truly dangerous. The man who spent his youth being shoved around, however … When that man gets a little power and authority, he often uses it to become a tyrant on par with the worst warlords in history.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Way of Kings, 2010
Youthful oppression breeds timid power‑hungry tyrants; while early dominance breeds complacent danger.
In simple terms: Oppressed youth can become tyrants when empowered.
Key Takeaway
Guard against power abuse.
Themes
power
tyranny
growth
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership training
- historical analysis
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does early experience shape leadership?
- Can power be used responsibly?
A Different Perspective
Not all empowered become tyrants.
![“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)