--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We know that the great majority of people…" description: "\"We know that the great majority of people have a strong need for authority which it can admire, to which it can submit, and which dominates and sometim..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4cb/sigmund-freud-360_admiration_we-know-that-the-great-majority-of-peopl_1188263.jpg" --- # We know that the great majority of people have a strong… ![“We know that the great majority of people have a strong need for authority which it can admire, to which it can submit, and which dominates and sometimes even ill-treats it.” quote by Sigmund Freud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4cb/sigmund-freud-360_admiration_we-know-that-the-great-majority-of-peopl_1188263.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4cb/sigmund-freud-360_admiration_we-know-that-the-great-majority-of-peopl_1188263.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4cb/sigmund-freud-360_admiration_we-know-that-the-great-majority-of-peopl_1188263.jpg) > “We know that the great majority of people have a strong need for authority which it can admire, to which it can submit, and which dominates and sometimes even ill-treats it.” [Sigmund Freud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sigmund-freud/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People have an innate desire for authority to admire, submit to, and sometimes be mistreated by, reflecting a deep psychological need. **In simple terms:** Humans often seek and obey authority, even when harmful. Key Takeaway Question and understand your relationship with authority. Themes authority psychology power dynamics submission Mood analytical thoughtful Type psychological observational When to use this quote - workplace - family - political systems - education - personal relationships Key Concepts dependency esteem control social hierarchy Questions to Reflect On - Why do we gravitate toward authority figures? - When is it healthy to submit to authority? A Different Perspective Blind obedience can lead to exploitation and loss of autonomy. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Admiration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/admiration/) [Admire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/admire/) [Authority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/authority/) [Authority Admire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/authority-admire-2596109/) [Ill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ill/) [Majority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/majority/) [Majority People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/majority-people/) [Need Authority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/need-authority-2221958/) [Needs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/needs/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/) [Sometimes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sometimes/) [Strong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strong/) [Strong Need](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strong-need-516230/) [Submit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/submit/) [Treats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/treats/) ## Related quotes > [The great majority of people have a strong need for authority which they can admire, to which they can submit, and which dominates and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sigmund-freud/the-great-majority-of-people-have-a-strong-need-for-authority-which/) [Sigmund Freud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sigmund-freud/) > [I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sigmund-freud/i-cannot-think-of-any-need-in-childhood-as-strong-as-the-need-for-a-2/) [Sigmund Freud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sigmund-freud/) > [Whoever is a complete person does not need to be an authority.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/max-stirner/whoever-is-a-complete-person-does-not-need-to-be-an-authority/) [Max Stirner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/max-stirner/) > [“Just remember: other people’s opinions are simply that—other people’s opinions. 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