Authority Quote by Samuel Butler
“Authority intoxicates, And makes mere sots of magistrates; The fumes of it invade the brain, And make men giddy, proud and vain: By this the fool commands the wise, The noble-with the base complies, The sot assumes the rule of wit, And cowards make t”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "Hudibras" (satirical verse), 1663
Power corrupts, making even wise people act foolishly and vainly, while fools dominate the wise.
In simple terms: Power makes people act foolish.
Key Takeaway
Beware of power's corrupting influence.
Themes
politics
human nature
corruption
authority
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- government
- organizational culture
Key Concepts
hubris
social hierarchy
psychology of power
Questions to Reflect On
- What signs show power is corrupting?
- Can authority be used responsibly?
A Different Perspective
Power dynamics can also inspire positive reforms.
![“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)