Authority Quote by Michael Shermer
“We do not just blindly concede control to authorities; instead we follow the cues provided by our moral communities on how best to behave.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Moral Arc, by Michael Shermer, 2015
We should not surrender authority blindly, but let our moral communities guide our behavior.
In simple terms: Follow moral community cues instead of blind authority.
Key Takeaway
Seek guidance from trusted moral groups.
Themes
ethics
authority
community
decisionmaking
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political participation
- workplace ethics
- personal decisions
- online communities
Key Concepts
social contract
moral guidance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify trustworthy moral cues?
- When should you challenge community norms?
A Different Perspective
Moral communities can be fragmented, leading to conflicting advice.
![“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)