Authority Quote by L. Neil Smith
“Few things are more laughably pitiable than authority once it has been successfully defied.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Probability Broach, 1979
Authority becomes vulnerable when it is successfully challenged, exposing its absurdity and prompting laughter.
In simple terms: Defying authority reveals its folly.
Key Takeaway
Question power, seek truth.
Themes
authority
defiance
humor
Mood
critical
witty
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- activism
- political debate
- personal empowerment
- creative satire
Key Concepts
political critique
philosophical skepticism
social commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you seen authority crumble?
- What role does humor play in dissent?
A Different Perspective
Power structures can be entrenched despite ridicule.
![“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)