Quotes About Authority

Among my father's most important messages were that governments lie to protect themselves and they make incredibly stupid decisions.

Would it … would it be possible for me to speak with them?" "No," the secondary said. In his exalted position, Iblis Ginjo was unaccustomed to hearing such a response.

Jool Noret, we admire you. You are the scourge of Omnius." "I am merely doing my job.

Truth belongs to those who control that perspective.

One uses power by grasping it lightly. To grasp with too much force is to be taken over by power, thus becoming its victim. —Bene Gesserit Axiom

The blood of innocents has always been the currency of charismatic leaders, Kwyna said

If you sit safely by and wait for your people to do your work for you, then you do not deserve to rule such a populace.

have not yet made it apparent, my Duke, I give you my utmost loyalty and renew my pledge to House Atreides. I will do everything I can to assist and advise you." Then his expression hardened. "But you must understand that all decisions are yours and yours alone. My advice may contradict Prince Rhombur's or your mother's, or that of any other advisors you choose. You must decide in each case. You are the Duke. You are House Atreides.

The Guild was beyond the control of the Padishah Emperor.

Nevertheless, Paul had learned to make his own decisions. I have created a universe in which the old rules do not apply. A new paradigm. I am sorry, Father.

Now Leto understood why the Old Duke had insisted that his son learn to read his subjects and know the mood of the populace. "At the heart of it all, lad, we rule at their sufferance," Paulus had told him, "though thankfully most of the population doesn't realize it. If you're a good enough ruler, none of your people will think to question it.

Humans must never submit to animals. —Bene Gesserit Teaching

The blood of innocents has always been the currency of charismatic leaders.

If you perceive that a person holds power over you, whether or not it is true, then your weakness is very real. —MANFORD TORONDO, final Lampadas rally

Power and deceit are tools of statecraft, yes. But remember that power deludes the ones who wield it—making them believe it can overcome the defects of their ignorance. —COUNT FLAMBERT MUTELLI, early speech in Landsraad Hall of Oratory

Law always moves in the direction of protecting the strong and oppressing the weak. Dependence upon force corrodes justice. — CROWN PRINCE RAPHAEL CORRINO, Precepts of Civilization

It is difficult to make power lovable—this is the dilemma of all governments. —PADISHAH EMPEROR HASSIK III, private Kaitain journals

One uses power by grasping it lightly. To grasp with too much force is to be taken over by power, thus becoming its victim.

Facts mean nothing when they are preempted by appearances. Do not underestimate the power of impression over reality. —CROWN PRINCE RAPHAEL CORRINO, The Rudiments of Power

There are rules, but people invariably find ways of getting around them. So it is with laws. A true leader must understand such things and be prepared to take advantage of each situation.

I am their Emperor, and they will do as I say.

With little power comes little responsibility.

Every kid gets programmed by their 'rents, Chase. That doesn't mean they have to do as they're told.

Why do you always make it sound like everything was better before I was born? It's not you, Mitchell. There was just more civility back then. We still had respect for authority, I guess. This is what happens when no one trusts the people in power.