Skip to content

Authority Quote by Friedrich August von Hayek

“The [classical] liberal, of course, does not deny that there are some superior people -- he is not an egalitarian -- but he denies that anyone has authority to decide who these superior people are.” quote by Friedrich August von Hayek
Download Open image
“The [classical] liberal, of course, does not deny that there are some superior people -- he is not an egalitarian -- but he denies that anyone has authority to decide who these superior people are.”

Friedrich August von Hayek

About This Quote

Source Book: The Constitution of Liberty, 1960

A liberal accepts inequality but rejects the right of anyone to decide who is superior.

In simple terms: Liberals oppose authority to label superiority.

Key Takeaway

Question who claims authority over merit.

Themes

politics equality authority liberalism

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • social movements
  • education curricula

Key Concepts

philosophy political theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who decides what makes someone superior?
  • Can true equality exist without some hierarchy?
A Different Perspective

It may ignore systemic biases that affect opportunities.

3.3 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Friedrich August von Hayek

Explore all 244 Friedrich August von Hayek quotes

More Authority quotes

Browse all 4,003 Authority quotes