Adapting Quote by Robert May, Baron May of Oxford
“In such systems, there is unquestioning respect for authority. Faith trumps evidence. But if indeed this is broadly the explanation for how co-operative behaviour has evolved and been maintained in human societies, it could be very bad news. Because although such authoritarian systems seem to be good at preserving social coherence and an orderly society, they are, by the same token, not good at adapting to change.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Limits to Growth, 1972
Authority can enforce order but hinders adaptability, making societies fragile to change.
In simple terms: Authority preserves order but blocks change.
Key Takeaway
Balance respect with flexibility.
Themes
authority
cooperation
adaptation
social cohesion
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- organizational change
- community leadership
- crisis response
Key Concepts
social psychology
evolutionary theory
institutional inertia
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies maintain cohesion while encouraging adaptability?
- What mechanisms can counteract authoritarian inertia?
A Different Perspective
Rigid authority may suppress innovation and critical thinking.
![“We share half our genes with the banana. [After the announcement Jun 2000 that a working draft of the genetic sequence of humans had been completed by the Human Genome Project.]” quote by Robert May, Baron May of Oxford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/946/robert-may-baron-may-of-oxford_announcements_we-share-half-our-genes-with-the-banana_3137508.jpg)
