Authority Quote by Tom Robbins
“In order to be respected, authority has got to be respectable.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Still Life with Woodpeckers by Tom Robbins, 1980
Respect must be earned by behaving honorably; authority without integrity loses legitimacy.
In simple terms: Authority needs integrity to earn respect.
Key Takeaway
Act honorably to be respected.
Themes
integrity
authority
respect
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- community building
- personal conduct
Key Concepts
ethical leadership
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you demonstrate integrity in leadership?
- What actions erode respect?
A Different Perspective
Respect can be fragile if authority appears corrupt.
![“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)