Authority Quote by John Brunner
“What people want, mainly, is to be told by some plausible authority that what they are already doing is right. I don't know know of a quicker way to become unpopular than to disagree.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Stand on Zanzibar by John Brunner, 1968
People seek authority validation for their actions; disagreement often leads to social ostracism.
In simple terms: We want approval from leaders; dissent makes us unpopular.
Key Takeaway
Question authority wisely, not blindly.
Themes
conformity
authority
social pressure
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political activism
- workplace debates
- online forums
Key Concepts
groupthink
social identity
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you challenge the status quo?
- How do you balance conformity and individuality?
A Different Perspective
Authority can be misused, stifling healthy dissent.
![“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)