New Rules Quote by Timothy Snyder
““people are remarkably receptive to new rules in a new setting. They are surprisingly willing to harm and kill others in the service of some new purpose if they are so instructed by a new authority.””
About This Quote
The quote observes that people readily follow new rules and authorities, even to the point of harming others, when placed in a novel context.
In simple terms: New authority can drive harmful obedience.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and protect ethical standards.
Themes
politics
psychology
ethics
Mood
cautionary
analytical
Type
political
psychological
When to use this quote
- workplace changes
- political movements
- military orders
- social experiments
Key Concepts
conformity
obedience to authority
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can prevent blind obedience?
- How do you recognize legitimate authority?
A Different Perspective
It may overstate uniform compliance across cultures.
