Quotes About Authority

Cluny was created with the intention that it should be free from lay control, and was answerable only to the pope.

They took – or were granted by whoever was in charge

decided he would rather not relinquish his position, and was plotting to prevent his father's return

the bishop was indeed conducting himself like a second king.

her the title of queen, which was something not customary before then to him or to his people'.

Æthelwold took it upon himself to tour them all, laying down the standards of behaviour he expected

The result was that Wilfrid was deposed, and his huge diocese was divided between three new appointees:

Wilfrid did not go quietly. He protested to the bishops of other kingdoms

he decided that his only remaining option was to take his case to Rome.

monasteries should actively place themselves under the protection of the king and queen.

and in witnessing the same grant he went even further, referring to himself as 'king of Britain'.

Aldfrith grew tired of the constant arguments and banished the troublesome bishop from his kingdom for a second time.68

Without Alfred directing their labours, none of this would have happened.

were now subject to the authority of a single secular ruler: the king of Mercia.

Alchfrith was King Oswiu's eldest son, and a king in his own right

what was the point of paying taxes, or obeying a law that forbade civilians from carrying weapons?

when Boniface says he had also heard that the king had stolen revenues from churches and monasteries,

Once a religious institution acquired a charter (or boc) from the king,

Tyrants tyrannize no doubt thanks to a host of little tyrants, who are tyrannized and no doubt tyrannize in turn.

Non subisco mai l'autorità delle perturbazioni atmosferiche né delle divisioni convenzionali del tempo. Sarei lieto di riabilitare l'uso della pipa d'oppio e del kriss malese, ma ignoro quello di quegli strumenti infinitamente più perniciosi e d'altronde piattamente borghesi, l'orologio e l'ombrello.

Commands are no constraints.

High on a throne of royal state, which far

To reign is worth ambition though in Hell: Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav'n.

To reign is worth ambition though in Hell:   Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav'n.