Authority Quote by Jonathan Haidt
“I did say that in-group, authority and purity are necessary for the maintenance of order, but I would never give them a blanket endorsement.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt, 2012
He acknowledges that group cohesion, authority, and purity help maintain social order, yet he warns against endorsing them unconditionally.
In simple terms: Group norms help order but can be harmful if accepted blindly.
Key Takeaway
Question norms, but stay critical.
Themes
social order
authority
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
advisory
When to use this quote
- political debate
- community building
- organizational leadership
Key Concepts
Moral psychology
social cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance order with individual freedom?
- When should we challenge authority?
A Different Perspective
Blind acceptance can enable oppression.
![“Now, [Donald] Trump has thus far gotten endorsements from illustrious group, that includes Sarah Palin, David Duke, Dennis Rodman, racially profiling birther sheriff, Joe Arpaio, vaping Congressman Duncan Hunter, and just this afternoon, infamous Maine Governor Paul LePage who accused drug dealers…” quote by Chris Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/19c/chris-hayes-2208_accused_now-donald-trump-has-thus-far-gotten-end_117408.jpg)
![“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)