--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Authority is not a quality one person…" description: "\"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 ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d5f/erich-fromm-367_authority_authority-is-not-a-quality-one-person-ha_646686.jpg" --- # Authority is not a quality one person 'has,' in the sense… ![“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.” quote by Erich Fromm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d5f/erich-fromm-367_authority_authority-is-not-a-quality-one-person-ha_646686.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d5f/erich-fromm-367_authority_authority-is-not-a-quality-one-person-ha_646686.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d5f/erich-fromm-367_authority_authority-is-not-a-quality-one-person-ha_646686.jpg) > “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.” [Erich Fromm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erich-fromm/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. Key Takeaway Recognize authority as relational, not intrinsic. Themes power relationships perception Mood reflective analytical Type philosophical critical When to use this quote - leadership - management - education - family dynamics Key Concepts social hierarchy interpersonal dynamics Questions to Reflect On - How do you differentiate legitimate authority from dominance? - What checks can prevent misuse of perceived superiority? A Different Perspective Authority can be abused if not checked by accountability. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Authority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/authority/) [Authority Quality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/authority-quality-5180939/) [Authority Refers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/authority-refers-2531201/) [Interpersonal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interpersonal/) [Looks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/looks/) [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/) [Property](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/property/) [Qualities Authority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/qualities-authority-5180938/) [Quality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quality/) [Relation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/relation/) [Somebody Superior](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/somebody-superior-636833/) ## Related quotes > [There is a great difference, then, between "power" and "authority." 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