Quotes about Authority
One uses power by grasping it lightly. To grasp too strongly is to be taken over by power, and thus to become its victim.
- Frank Herbert
To use raw power is to make yourself infinitely vulnerable to greater powers.
- Frank Herbert
Do as she says, you wormfaced, crawling, sand-brained piece of lizard turd!
- Frank Herbert
A world is supported by four things... the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the righteous and the valor of the brave. But all of these are as nothing...without a ruler who knows the art of ruling.
- Frank Herbert
I must rule with eye and claw — as the hawk among lesser birds. - Duke Leto Atreides
- Frank Herbert
In politics, the tripod is the most unstable of all structures.
- Frank Herbert
Power bases are very dangerous because they attract people who are truly insane, people who seek power only for the sake of power.
- Frank Herbert
A good bureaucracy is the best tool of oppression ever invented.
- Frank Herbert
Police always observe that criminals prosper. It takes a pretty dull policeman to miss the fact that the position of authority is the most prosperous criminal position available.
- Frank Herbert
Law always chooses sides on the basis of enforcement power. Morality and legal niceties have little to do with it when the real question is: Who has the clout? —Bene
- Frank Herbert
governments lie to protect themselves and they make incredibly stupid decisions.
- Frank Herbert
The tribal commander must lose no face among those who should obey him.
- Frank Herbert