Last year Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
““...which among you does not know and suffer under such benevolent despots? It is in vain you say to them, 'Dear madam, I took Podgers' specific at your orders last year, and believe in it. Why, why, am I to recant and accept the Rodger's articles now?' There is no help for it; the faithful proselytizer, if she cannot convice by argument, bursts into tears, and the recusant finds himself, at the end of the conteest, taking down the bolus, and saying, 'Well, well, Rodger's be it.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The History of Henry Esmond, 1852
A satirical take on blind devotion to authority, showing how people rationalize obedience even when it harms them.
In simple terms: Blind loyalty leads to self‑deception.
Key Takeaway
Question authority before blind obedience.
Themes
authority
faith
satire
Mood
ironic
critical
Type
satirical
political
When to use this quote
- political movements
- religious groups
- corporate cultures
- personal decisions
Key Concepts
conformity
psychology
social pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever follow rules without questioning?
- How does satire expose hidden truths?
A Different Perspective
Rationalizing harmful obedience can cause personal harm.
![“I am sure, my poor, lame, mangled conformity to my Maker's commands, fills me with shame, and would make me hang down my head as a bulrush. But my Lord's death, my Lord's obedience, my divine Lord's merit, encourages me, imboldens [sic] me, and enables me to say, Who shall condemn me?” quote by James Hervey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a09/james-hervey-31481_death_i-am-sure-my-poor-lame-mangled-conformit_2191378.jpg)
![“[Fighting for equality for women] that's what my mission has been for the last years.” quote by Paula Broadwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7b7/paula-broadwell-12073_equality_fighting-for-equality-for-women-that-s-w_9321.jpg)
