Quotes about Authority

Do I tell you how to braid your hair? Don't tell me how to plow a field.

There had been incidents meant to remind them that they were being watched. Yet there had also been more arrests and darker threats and cruel floggings. The religious authorities had no intention of letting the group continue unchallenged. When any possible reason for an offense could be generated, they took full advantage.

The paranoiac is the exact image of the ruler. The only difference is their position in the world. One might even think the paranoiac the more impressive of the two because he is sufficient unto himself and cannot be shaken by failure.

The most basic duty of government is to defend the lives of its own citizens. Any government that fails to do so is a government unworthy to lead.

What is striking is how the reputation of the monarchy has gone up and down in my lifetime.

Time and trouble will tame an advanced young woman. But an advanced old woman is uncontrollable by any force.

Most of what we call management consists of making it difficult for people to get their work done.

Respect for human rights is not social work; it is not merely an act of compassion. It is the first obligation of government and the source of its legitimacy.

I would rather obey than work miracles.

The last resort of kings, the cannonball. The last resort of the people, the paving stone.

God empowered him; and my father, when he stood to preach, he wasn't preaching his message, he was preaching God's message.

If an injustice requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law. Let your life be a counter-friction to stop the government machine.