Army Quote by Edward Abbey
“I'm happy to respect authority when it's genuine authority, based on moral or intellectual or even technical superiority. I'm eager to follow a hero if we can find one. But I tend to resist or evade any kind of authority based merely on the power to coerce. Government, for example. The Army tried to train us to salute the uniform, not the man. Failed. I will salute the man, maybe, if I think he's worthy of it, but I don't salute uniforms anymore.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Desert Solitaire, 1968
He respects authority only when it is earned through genuine moral or intellectual superiority, rejecting blind obedience to power structures.
In simple terms: Respect earned, not demanded.
Key Takeaway
Follow merit, not rank.
Themes
authority
individualism
ethics
Mood
critical
independent
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- workplace hierarchy
- government policy
- personal mentorship
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
critical thinking
leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you challenge authority?
- How do you identify true merit?
A Different Perspective
Blind obedience can stifle innovation.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
