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Authority Quote by Yuval Noah Harari

“For thousands of years, humans believed that authority came from the gods. Then, during the modern era, humanism gradually shifted authority from deities to people.” quote by Yuval Noah Harari
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“For thousands of years, humans believed that authority came from the gods. Then, during the modern era, humanism gradually shifted authority from deities to people.”

Yuval Noah Harari

About This Quote

Source Book: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, 2011

Authority shifted from divine to human constructs, reflecting humanity's capacity to define its own values.

In simple terms: Authority moved from gods to people.

Key Takeaway

Question inherited power structures.

Themes

humanism authority secularism

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

analytical historical

When to use this quote

  • political activism
  • education reform

Key Concepts

social contracts cultural evolution

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you recognize legitimate authority?
  • What role should individuals play in shaping norms?
A Different Perspective

Human authority can still be influenced by lingering myths.

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