---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is a great matter to be in authority…"
description: "\"It is a great matter to be in authority over others; for authority, if it be rightly used, will make you feared beyond your actual resources.\" — France..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a04/francesco-guicciardini-20043_authority_it-is-a-great-matter-to-be-in-authority_2344637.png"
---

#  It is a great matter to be in authority over others; for…

![“It is a great matter to be in authority over others; for authority, if it be rightly used, will make you feared beyond your actual resources.” quote by Francesco Guicciardini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a04/francesco-guicciardini-20043_authority_it-is-a-great-matter-to-be-in-authority_2344637.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a04/francesco-guicciardini-20043_authority_it-is-a-great-matter-to-be-in-authority_2344637.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a04/francesco-guicciardini-20043_authority_it-is-a-great-matter-to-be-in-authority_2344637.png)

> “It is a great matter to be in authority over others; for authority, if it be rightly used, will make you feared beyond your actual resources.”

[Francesco Guicciardini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francesco-guicciardini/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Properly used authority can make you seem more powerful than you actually are.

**In simple terms:** Rightful authority amplifies perceived power.

Key Takeaway

Use authority wisely.

Themes

leadership authority perception

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

- management
- governance
- team leadership
- public speaking

Key Concepts

political theory social influence

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you ensure authority is just?
- What checks prevent abuse?

A Different Perspective

Misuse of authority can backfire.

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[Authority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/authority/) [Authority Authority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/authority-authority-815776/) [Authority Rightly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/authority-rightly-5686412/) [Feared](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feared/) [Matter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/matter/) [Matter Authority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/matter-authority-5686413/) [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/) [Resources](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/resources/) [Used](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/used/)

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