Quotes about Authority

The mind commands the body and is instantly obeyed. The mind commands itself and meets resistance.

The mind commands the body, and it obeys instantly; the mind commands itself, and is resisted.

Nevertheless power and domination are not given even to such men save by the providence of the most high God, when He judges that the state of human affairs is worthy of such lords.

Now, if wisdom is God, who made all things, as is attested by the divine authority and truth, then the philosopher is a lover of God.

For, as far as this life of mortals is concerned, which is spent and ended in a few days, what does it matter under whose government a dying man lives, if they who govern do not force him to impiety and iniquity?

An unjust law is no law at all.

Give, O Lord, what Thou commandest, and then command what Thou wilt.

Do what Jesus says,... what he commands through his ministers who are in the Church [see 1 Cor 6:4]. Be subject to his vicars, your leaders, not only those who are gentle and kind, but even those who are overbearing.

Obey your bishop! Obey those set over you [Heb 13:17], the teachers of the Church. I remind you, my dear friends, of what I said when I was with you: do not receive any outside or unknown preacher, unless he be sent by your bishop or preaches with the permission of the pope. For how shall they preach unless they are sent [Rom 10:15]?

Men think it lacking in humility and suppose that it is trying to teach those from whom it should learn, especially if the person in question is a woman.

The passion for truth is silenced by answers which have the weight of undisputed authority.

Indeed, truth draws strength from itself and not from the number of votes in its favour.