Authority Quote by William P. Young
“Authority, as you usually think of it, is merely the excuse the strong use to make others conform to what they want.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: "The Shack" by William P. Young, 2007
Authority is often a tool used by the powerful to enforce conformity to their desires.
In simple terms: Power uses authority to make others obey.
Key Takeaway
Question and challenge unjust authority.
Themes
authority
power
conformity
ethics
control
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- workplace dynamics
- government mandates
- social movements
Key Concepts
political theory
social psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- When is authority justified?
- How do we balance order and freedom?
A Different Perspective
Authority can be justified in legitimate contexts.
![“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)