Authority Quote by Voltaire
“Men use thought only as authority for their injustice, and employ speech only to conceal their thoughts.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: 1764 essay by Voltaire, “On the Abuse of Authority”
Authority uses language to hide true motives, masking injustice.
In simple terms: Authority masks motives with words.
Key Takeaway
Question hidden motives.
Themes
authority
justice
speech
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- media analysis
- legal reform
- activism
Key Concepts
critical theory
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we discern truth in rhetoric?
- What safeguards expose hidden agendas?
A Different Perspective
Some speech is necessary for coordination.
![“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)