Authority Quote by Napoleon Bonaparte
“Obedience to public authority ought not to be based either on ignorance or stupidity.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Reflections on Authority, Napoleon Bonaparte, 1812
Obedience should be grounded in informed judgment, not blind acceptance or lack of knowledge.
In simple terms: Follow authority wisely, not blindly.
Key Takeaway
Question authority critically.
Themes
authority
critical thinking
responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government decisions
- workplace directives
- educational policies
Key Concepts
political philosophy
ethical reasoning
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence do you need before obeying?
- How can ignorance be reduced?
A Different Perspective
People may lack information to assess authority accurately.
![“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)