Authority Quote by Erich Fromm
“Authority is not a quality one person 'has,' in the sense that he has property or physical qualities. Authority refers to an interpersonal relation in which one person looks upon another as somebody superior to him.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm, 1956
Authority arises from a relational dynamic where one person is perceived as superior, not from inherent traits.
In simple terms: Authority is about perceived superiority, not personal qualities.
Recognize authority as relational, not intrinsic.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- leadership
- management
- education
- family dynamics
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate legitimate authority from dominance?
- What checks can prevent misuse of perceived superiority?
Authority can be abused if not checked by accountability.