Capable Quote by Robert Bolt
“Some men think the Earth is round, others think it flat; it is a matter capable of question. But, if it is flat, will the King's command make it round? And, if it is round, will the King's command flatten it?”
About This Quote
Source Play: A Man for All Seasons, 1960
Questioning authority reveals the limits of power; even a king cannot alter fundamental truths.
In simple terms: Power can't change reality.
Key Takeaway
Question authority wisely.
Themes
authority
truth
power
skepticism
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
literary
political
When to use this quote
- political debate
- education
- media analysis
- public policy
Key Concepts
political philosophy
logic
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What truths are immutable despite authority?
- How do we balance respect and critical inquiry?
A Different Perspective
Blind faith can ignore evidence.
![“This account of him [Thomas More] developed as I wrote: what first attracted me was a person who could not be accused of any incapacity for life, who indeed seized life in great variety and almost greedy quantities, who nevertheless found something in himself without which life was valueless and…” quote by Robert Bolt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e50/robert-bolt-21488_able_this-account-of-him-thomas-more-develope_749259.jpg)
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
