Force Quote by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
“Force does not constitute right... obedience is due only to legitimate powers.”
About This Quote
Legitimate authority, not force, justifies obedience; power must be rightful to command compliance.
In simple terms: Obedience requires legitimate authority.
Key Takeaway
Respect rightful power only.
Themes
politics
ethics
authority
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government
- leadership
- civil obedience
- lawful compliance
Key Concepts
Social contract
legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess authority legitimacy?
- When should obedience be questioned?
A Different Perspective
Power can be abused despite legitimacy.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
