--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They must find it difficult ... those who…" description: "\"They must find it difficult ... those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority.\" — Gerald Massey" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/129/gerald-massey-22193_atheism_they-must-find-it-difficult-those-who-ha_1979300.png" --- # They must find it difficult ... those who have taken… ![“They must find it difficult ... those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority.” quote by Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/129/gerald-massey-22193_atheism_they-must-find-it-difficult-those-who-ha_1979300.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/129/gerald-massey-22193_atheism_they-must-find-it-difficult-those-who-ha_1979300.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/129/gerald-massey-22193_atheism_they-must-find-it-difficult-those-who-ha_1979300.png) > “They must find it difficult ... those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority.” [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote warns that treating authority as truth, rather than questioning it, leads to difficulty and stagnation. **In simple terms:** Question authority, don’t accept it blindly. Key Takeaway Cultivate critical thinking. Themes philosophy critical thinking education Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical educational When to use this quote - academic debate - media literacy - personal decision‑making Key Concepts epistemology authority critique Questions to Reflect On - How do you differentiate authority from truth? - When is it wise to trust authority? A Different Perspective May ignore useful expertise. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Atheism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/atheism/) [Authority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/authority/) [Graphic design](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/graphic-design/) [Historical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/historical/) [Insanity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/insanity/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [“They must find it difficult, those who have taken authority as truth, rather than truth as authority.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/they-must-find-it-difficult-those-who-have-taken-authority-as-truth/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [They must find it hard to take Truth for authority who have so long mistaken Authority for Truth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/they-must-find-it-hard-to-take-truth-for-authority-who-have-so-long/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [... my convictions led me to adhere to the sufficiency of the light within us, resting on truth as authority, rather than 'taking authority…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucretia-mott/my-convictions-led-me-to-adhere-to-the-sufficiency-of-the-light/) [Lucretia Mott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucretia-mott/) > [Truth for authority, not authority for truth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucretia-mott/truth-for-authority-not-authority-for-truth/) [Lucretia Mott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucretia-mott/) > [It is very difficult to be taken seriously when you're introduced at a party to somebody as the fourth Mrs. Rex Harrison.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-roberts/it-is-very-difficult-to-be-taken-seriously-when-you-re-introduced-at/) [Rachel Roberts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel-roberts/) > [I feel like I would have ultimately ended up pursuing acting. It probably would have been much more difficult and taken a lot longer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alden-ehrenreich/i-feel-like-i-would-have-ultimately-ended-up-pursuing-acting-it/) [Alden Ehrenreich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alden-ehrenreich/) > [Again, I find it difficult to be taken care of and rarely acknowledge it, and every act he does registers, but I also just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patricia-heaton/again-i-find-it-difficult-to-be-taken-care-of-and-rarely-acknowledge/) [Patricia Heaton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patricia-heaton/) > [I definitely think that being a model makes it more difficult to be taken seriously. And I understand. I don't take it seriously sometimes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amber-valletta/i-definitely-think-that-being-a-model-makes-it-more-difficult-to-be/) [Amber Valletta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amber-valletta/) > [Nothing overshadows truth so much as authority.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leon-battista-alberti/nothing-overshadows-truth-so-much-as-authority/) [Leon Battista Alberti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leon-battista-alberti/) > [Adhere to the Truth rather than to the personality, and take to heart the Truth rather than the authority of another.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jiddu-krishnamurti/adhere-to-the-truth-rather-than-to-the-personality-and-take-to-heart/) [Jiddu Krishnamurti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jiddu-krishnamurti/) > [“...people quote proverbs without realizing they're really in awe of the authority of their truth and the power of their expression...”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-geddes/people-quote-proverbs-without-realizing-they-re-really-in-awe-of-the/) [John Geddes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-geddes/) > [Real spiritual authority has to do with the truth of the actual words being spoken, and the spirit of the person behind the words.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-ortberg/real-spiritual-authority-has-to-do-with-the-truth-of-the-actual-words/) [John Ortberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-ortberg/) > [“Without an ultimate authority for truth, all human striving has no ultimate value, and life itself becomes futile. Modern trends in preaching that deny…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bryan-chapell/without-an-ultimate-authority-for-truth-all-human-striving-has-no/) [Bryan Chapell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bryan-chapell/) > [In the world of knowledge, the essential Form of Good is the limit of our inquiries, and can barely be perceived; but, when perceived,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plato/in-the-world-of-knowledge-the-essential-form-of-good-is-the-limit-of/) [Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plato/) > [Helvetica is the jeans, and Univers the dinner jacket. Helvetica is here to stay.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adrian-frutiger/helvetica-is-the-jeans-and-univers-the-dinner-jacket-helvetica-is/) [Adrian Frutiger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adrian-frutiger/) ## More by Gerald Massey > [Not by appointment do we meet Delight And Joy; they heed not our expectancy; But round some corner in the streets of life, They,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/not-by-appointment-do-we-meet-delight-and-joy-they-heed-not-our/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [The plough of Time breaks up our Eden-land, And tramples down its fruitful flowery prime. Yet thro' the dust of ages living shoots O'…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/the-plough-of-time-breaks-up-our-eden-land-and-tramples-down-its/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [Not by appointment do we meet delight Or joy; they heed not our expectancy; But round some corner of the streets of life they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/not-by-appointment-do-we-meet-delight-or-joy-they-heed-not-our/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [And thou hast stolen a jewel, Death! Shall light thy dark up like a Star. A Beacon kindling from afar Our light of love…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/and-thou-hast-stolen-a-jewel-death-shall-light-thy-dark-up-like-a/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [“They must find it difficult, those who have taken authority as truth, rather than truth as authority.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/they-must-find-it-difficult-those-who-have-taken-authority-as-truth/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [In this dim world of clouding cares, We rarely know, till wildered eyes See white wings lessening up the skies, The angels with us…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/in-this-dim-world-of-clouding-cares-we-rarely-know-till-wildered-eyes/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [They must find it hard to take Truth for authority who have so long mistaken Authority for Truth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/they-must-find-it-hard-to-take-truth-for-authority-who-have-so-long/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [The Future, like a fruitfuller Summer, sits Ripening her Eden silently.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/the-future-like-a-fruitfuller-summer-sits-ripening-her-eden-silently/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [When man to man shall be friend and brother.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/when-man-to-man-shall-be-friend-and-brother/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [The heart is like an instrument whose strings Steal magic music from Life's mystic frets.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/the-heart-is-like-an-instrument-whose-strings-steal-magic-music-from/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [The heart is like an instrument whose strings Steal nobler music from Life's many frets: The golden threads are spun thro' Suffering's fire, Wherewith…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/the-heart-is-like-an-instrument-whose-strings-steal-nobler-music-from/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [I know no better way of waging the battle for Truth than arraying the facts face to face on either side and letting them…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/i-know-no-better-way-of-waging-the-battle-for-truth-than-arraying-the/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [Our dearest hopes in pangs are born, The kingliest Kings are crown'd with thorn.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/our-dearest-hopes-in-pangs-are-born-the-kingliest-kings-are-crown-d/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [All the rarest hues of human life take radiance and are rainbowed out in tears](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/all-the-rarest-hues-of-human-life-take-radiance-and-are-rainbowed-out/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) > [Still all the day the iron wheels go onward, Grinding life down from its mark.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-massey/still-all-the-day-the-iron-wheels-go-onward-grinding-life-down-from/) [Gerald Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) [Explore all 28 Gerald Massey quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-massey/) ## More Atheism quotes > [From Augustine down, theologians have tried to compel people to accept their special interpretation of the Scripture, and the tortures of the inquisition, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matilda-joslyn-gage/from-augustine-down-theologians-have-tried-to-compel-people-to-accept/) [Matilda Joslyn Gage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matilda-joslyn-gage/) > [“What I have a problem with is not so much religion or god, but faith. 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Atheism has never healed a disease; faith in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-hagee/let-me-tell-you-that-atheism-has-never-painted-a-masterpiece-atheism/) [John Hagee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-hagee/) > [Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/believing-with-you-that-religion-is-a-matter-which-lies-solely/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [The inner defenses are unconscious. They consist of a kind of magic aura which the mind builds around cherished belief. Arguments which penetrate into…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-koestler/the-inner-defenses-are-unconscious-they-consist-of-a-kind-of-magic/) [Arthur Koestler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-koestler/) > [God speaks through me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-w-bush/god-speaks-through-me/) [George W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-w-bush/) > [A knowledge of the existence of something we cannot penetrate, of the manifestations of the profoundest reason and the most radiant beauty - it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/a-knowledge-of-the-existence-of-something-we-cannot-penetrate-of-the/) [Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/) > [You cannot ... transmute some incoherent mixture of words into sense merely by introducing the three-letter word "God" to be its grammatical subject.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/antony-flew/you-cannot-transmute-some-incoherent-mixture-of-words-into-sense/) [Antony Flew](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/antony-flew/) > [Many humanists have argued that happiness involves a combination of hedonism and creative moral development; that an exuberant life fuses excellence and enjoyment, meaning…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-kurtz/many-humanists-have-argued-that-happiness-involves-a-combination-of/) [Paul Kurtz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-kurtz/) > [If, with all the time at my disposal, with all the wealth of the resources of this vast universe, to do with as I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-green-ingersoll/if-with-all-the-time-at-my-disposal-with-all-the-wealth-of-the/) [Robert Green Ingersoll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-green-ingersoll/) > [Do you think that was kind? 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