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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…” quote by Mikhail Bakunin
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““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.””

Mikhail Bakunin

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

Key Takeaway

Authority must be questioned

Themes

individualism critical thinking political philosophy liberty skepticism

Mood

thoughtful defiant analytical

Type

philosophical political ethical

When to use this quote

  • making personal decisions
  • evaluating professional advice
  • political activism
  • academic research
  • team leadership

Key Concepts

authority expertise criticism freedom

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?
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