Authority Quote by Laozi
“When people do not dread authorities, then a greater dread descends.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Tao Te Ching, c. 400 BC
When people are not afraid of authority, they become more fearful of something larger that follows.
In simple terms: Lack of fear of authority leads to greater dread.
Key Takeaway
Beware complacency toward power.
Themes
authority
fear
consequence
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- organizational culture
- personal vigilance
Key Concepts
social control
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What larger dread might replace fear of authority?
- How does complacency affect vigilance?
A Different Perspective
Even without fear, other anxieties may arise.
![“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)