Authority Quote by Philip Pullman
“As for what it's against - the story is against those who pervert and misuse religion, or any other kind of doctrine with a holy book and a priesthood and an apparatus of power that wields unchallengeable authority, in order to dominate and suppress human freedoms.”
About This Quote
Source Book: His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman, 1995‑2000
The quote condemns the distortion of religion and doctrine by powerful institutions that claim unchallengeable authority to suppress freedom.
In simple terms: Powerful groups misuse religion to control people.
Key Takeaway
Beware institutions that claim divine authority.
Themes
religion
power
freedom
authority
abuse
Mood
critical
defiant
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- academic study
- human rights advocacy
- community organizing
Key Concepts
theocracy
social control
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect religious freedom while preventing abuse?
- What safeguards can limit institutional power?
A Different Perspective
Such institutions may claim moral legitimacy, making resistance difficult.
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