Authority Quote by Eric Hoffer
““When we speak of authority at present we usually have in mind governmental authority. Actually, social order is most firm when imposed and maintained by the limited authorities of family, school, church, job, neighborhood and so on. In 1848 the Spaniard Donoso-Cortés predicted that “when religious discipline ceases to exist there cannot be enough of government; all despotisms will not be sufficient.” This holds true to some extent of the other minor authorities.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The True Believer, 1951
Social order relies not only on government but also on smaller, community‑based authorities; when religious discipline fades, governance alone cannot sustain stability.
In simple terms: Community institutions support social order alongside government.
Key Takeaway
Strengthen local institutions to maintain social cohesion.
Themes
politics
social order
authority
community
Mood
analytical
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political
sociological
When to use this quote
- public policy
- education
- family dynamics
- community building
Key Concepts
governmental authority
family
school
church
neighborhood
social cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do secular institutions compensate for declining religious influence?
- What balance between government and community authority is optimal?
A Different Perspective
The claim may overlook secular societies where non‑religious institutions provide order.
![“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)