History Quote by Stephanie Coontz

Sometimes it's easier for people who are in authority to be authoritarian, because people know where you stand.

— Meryl Streep

The common people feel themselves oppressed by the grasping of some, and their vanity is flattered by others. Fired with evil passions, they are…

— Polybius

History has shown that the masses have been quite receptive to the promises of authoritarians which are rarely if ever fulfilled,

— Ron Paul

Weak logic, inconsistencies and alienation from the people are common features of authoritarianism. The relentless attempts of totalitarian regimes to prevent free thought and…

— Aung San Suu Kyi

“Individualism may be the greatest boon to authoritarianism since the whip, and has helped prolong it well beyond its natural lifespan. Its message is:…

— Philip Slater

Authoritarianism doesn't fall on a nation like a book falling from a shelf and striking you in the head. It rolls in like a…

— Joy Reid

Authoritarians tend to consolidate support by using fear, but more importantly by driving a wedge among the people that they want to control.

— Reza Aslan

Authoritarians have always been here. But the features of a given moment make that way of thinking more or less appealing. Germany in the…

— Robert Sapolsky

Once people sense their own power, no authoritarian government can stand against the people who are determined to be free.

— Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj

“We have a new type of rule now. Not one man rule, or rule of aristocracy, or plutocracy, but of small groups elevated to…

— William S. Burroughs

“I call the violent kind of "upbringing" abuse, not only because children are thus refused the right to dignity and respect as human beings…

— Alice MIller, The Drama of the gifted child

A part of society in our countries would still prefer an authoritarian regime today. These are people with the mentality of Homo sovieticus. But…

— Adam Michnik