Quotes About Authority

The only reason to be subservient to those with power is so that you can learn to someday take what they have.

Fear is the tool of tyrants. Unfortunately

Harmony protect us from small-minded men with too much power.

Well, that was fun," Grandpa said as he climbed to his feet. "Anyone dead?" "Does my pride count?" Draulin asked, dusting herself off. "I don't think so," Grandpa said. "I killed that years ago. Dif, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but shoving my grandson out of planes is usually my job. So next time, kindly refrain until I give the word." "Sorry, sir," Dif said, looking abashed.

We are propping up a government that has overreached its bounds in the name of public safety," FM said. "The people must speak up and rise against the upper class who holds them enslaved!

Progress is learning to control your world.

Then I will be proven wrong," Sazed said. He turned, looking into her eyes. "But kindly remember that the last ime I disobeyed the Synod, the result was the collapse of the Final Empire and the freedom of our people.

But it's not enough! So long as the most powerful of the Epics consider themselves immune, nothing will change. So long as you leave them alone, you're essentially proving what they've always said! That if an Epic is strong enough, he can take what he wants, do what he wants. You're saying they deserve to rule.

Men in power always pretend things like virtue, or divine guidance, some kind of mandate to 'protect' the rest of us. If we believe that the Almighty put them where they are, it's easier for us to swallow what they do to us.

Everyone shut up and listen!" Steris snapped. "Or I will barf on the table to get your attention!" The entire room stared at her. "I'll do it," she warned. "I keep medication in my handbag to produce the effect. You'd be surprised at how often the option is relevant.

Somebody tell me that I should just go speak to the kings again." "uh," Sing said, "didn't I just do that?" "I need to her it again, Sing," Grandpa Smedry said. "I'm old and stubborn!

A man can only lead when others accept him as their leader, and he has only as much authority as his subjects give to him.

I've never understood one thing: Why do all these megalomaniac dictators, secret societies, mad scientists, and totalitarian aliens want to rule the world? I mean really? Don't they know what a pain in the neck it is to be in charge? People are always making unreasonable demands of kings. "Please save us from the invading Vandal hoards! Please make sure we have proper sanitation to prevent the spread of disease! Please stop beheading your wives so often; it's ruining the rugs!

I think you underestimate the stubbornness a crown can press into a man or woman's mind.

What was a god who only made demands? Nothing but a tyrant with a different name.

I found it interesting how humane things became once the people far up the command chain—the ones who didn't have to bleed for the decisions they made—couldn't force everyone into line.

People," Shai said, rising to fetch another seal, "by nature attempt to exercise power over what is around them. We build walls to shelter us from the wind, roofs to stop the rain. We tame the elements, bend nature to our wills. It makes us feel as if we're in control.

Being in charge isn't about doing anything—it's about making certain that other people do what they're supposed to! Delegation, my friend. Without it, we would have to bake our own bread and dig our own latrines!

I am depending upon you to preserve us in power by means of this art we so freely call an abomination. Our hunger for power outweighs our conscience.

You're too untrusting, Susebron wrote. I keep telling you. My priests are good people. She regarded him flatly, catching his eyes. Except for removing my tongue, he admitted.

those who led were the lowest of men, for they were required to serve everyone.

He always watched and studied. He was a king—and you could not properly dominate that which you did not understand.

Of course," Blushweaver said. "I positively love people who do as they should. 'Should' being defined as whatever I think is best.

You have good ideas, Elend Venture," Tindwyl said. "Regal ideas. However, you are not a king. A man can only lead when others accept him as their leader, and he has only as much authority as his subjects give to him. All of the brilliant ideas in the world cannot save your kingdom if no one will listen to them.