Anarchism Quote by Mikhail Bakunin
““Does it follow that I reject all authority? Perish the thought. In the matter of boots, I defer to the authority of the bootmaker; concerning houses, canals, or railroads, I consult the architect or the engineer For such special knowledge I apply to such a "savant." But I allow neither the bootmaker nor the architect nor the "savant" to impose his authority on me. I listen to them freely and with all the respect merited by their intelligence, their character, their knowledge, reserving always my incontestable right of criticism and censure. I do not content myself with consulting a single authority in any special branch; I consult several; I compare their opinions and choose that which seems to me soundest. But I recognize no infallible authority, even m special questions; consequently, whatever respect I may have for the honesty and the sincerity of an individual, I have no absolute faith in any person. Such a faith would be fatal to my reason, to my liberty, and even to the success of my undertakings; it would immediately transform me into a stupid slave, the tool of other people's will and interests.””
About This Quote
Advocates critical independence: respect expertise but reject unquestioned authority to preserve liberty and reason.
In simple terms: Critical independence over blind obedience
Authority must be questioned
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- making personal decisions
- evaluating professional advice
- political activism
- academic research
- team leadership
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- policy analysis
- ethical decision‑making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance respect for expertise with personal judgment?
- When might trusting an authority be justified?