Ask yourself Quote by Richard P. Feynman
“Have no respect whatsoever for authority; forget who said it and instead look what he starts with, where he ends up, and ask yourself, "Is it reasonable?"”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Feynman Lectures on Physics, 1964
Question authority by evaluating actions and outcomes rather than titles, urging rational judgment.
In simple terms: Judge people by deeds, not words.
Key Takeaway
Assess actions before accepting authority.
Themes
skepticism
critical thinking
authority
rationality
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- workplace hierarchy
- personal relationships
- media consumption
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
logic
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would convince you to trust a leader?
- How do you balance respect with scrutiny?
A Different Perspective
May ignore expertise that comes with authority.
