Authority Quote by Jonathan Swift
““So that, upon the whole, there must be some kind of subjection due from every man to every man, which cannot be made void by any power, pre-eminence, or authority whatsoever. ””
About This Quote
Source Essay: A Modest Proposal, 1729
Human societies inevitably create hierarchies where each person is subject to others, and no authority can fully erase these power relations.
In simple terms: People are always under some other's control.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and mitigate power imbalances.
Themes
power
hierarchy
society
authority
inequality
Mood
reflective
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- workplace
- government
- family
- community
- legal systems
Key Concepts
social contract
political theory
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you experience power dynamics daily?
- Can authority be truly neutral?
A Different Perspective
Power structures can be softened but not entirely eliminated.
![“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)