Authority Quote by Michel de Montaigne
“Custom is a violent and treacherous school mistress. She, by little and lithe, slyly and unperceived, slips in the foot of her authority; but having by this gentle and humble beginning, with the benefit of time, fixed and established it, she then unmasks a furious and tyrannic countenance, against which we have no more the courage or the power so much as to lift up our eyes.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “On Custom,” 1580
Custom starts subtly, then entrenches power, becoming oppressive and hard to challenge.
In simple terms: Custom can become tyrannical over time.
Key Takeaway
Question and reform harmful customs.
Themes
custom
power
authority
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- politics
- education
- family traditions
Key Concepts
social conditioning
institutional inertia
Questions to Reflect On
- What customs limit you?
- How can you gently reform them?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep-rooted customs is difficult and may meet resistance.
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