Authority Quote by Erich Maria Remarque
““The idea of authority, which they represented, was associated in our minds with a greater insight and a more humane wisdom. But the first death we saw shattered this belief. We had to recognize that our generation was more to be trusted than theirs. They surpassed us only in phrases and in cleverness. The first bombardment showed us our mistake, and under it the world as they had taught it to us broke in pieces.””
About This Quote
The quote reflects a disillusionment with older generations' presumed wisdom, revealing that their authority was superficial and that true insight belongs to the younger generation.
In simple terms: Youthful disillusionment with inherited authority
Key Takeaway
Authority is not synonymous with wisdom
Themes
generational conflict
illusion vs. reality
authority
wisdom
trust
disillusionment
Mood
reflective
skeptical
hopeful
Type
philosophical
historical
critical
When to use this quote
- post-war reflection
- political upheaval
- cultural change
- educational reform
Key Concepts
authority
wisdom
generational shift
trust
Practical Applications
- critical analysis of historical narratives
- guiding youth empowerment initiatives
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports the claim that younger generations hold deeper insight?
- How does this perspective affect intergenerational dialogue?
![“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)
