Authority Quote by William Penn
“To have religion upon authority, and not upon conviction, is like a finger-watch, to be set forwards or backwards, as he pleases that has it in keeping.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Law of Nature and Nations, William Penn, 1700
Religion based on authority lacks personal conviction, like a watch that can be set arbitrarily.
In simple terms: Faith without conviction is like a manipulable watch.
Key Takeaway
Seek personal conviction over blind authority.
Themes
faith
authority
conviction
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- religious practice
- education
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
political philosophy
personal autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you follow authority or personal belief?
- What are the risks of unexamined faith?
A Different Perspective
Authority can be misused, leading to blind obedience.
![“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)