Authority Quote by Norman Douglas
“Distrust of authority should be the first civic duty.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Rise of the Nation, 1920
Questioning authority is essential for a healthy civic engagement.
In simple terms: Distrust fuels civic duty.
Key Takeaway
Critically evaluate power.
Themes
civic duty
authority
skepticism
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- voting
- public debate
- activism
Key Concepts
political theory
democracy
citizen responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you trust officials?
- How to balance skepticism with cooperation?
A Different Perspective
Blind distrust can erode social cohesion.
![“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)