Authority and power are two different things: power is the force by means of which you can oblige others to obey you. Authority is the right to direct and command, to be listened to or obeyed by others. Authority requests power. Power without authority is tyranny.

Summary

This quote highlights the distinction between authority and power. Power refers to the capacity to force others into obedience, while authority refers to the rightful ability to direct and command, and be listened to or obeyed. Authority requires power to be effective, but power alone, without legitimate authority, leads to tyranny. This emphasizes the importance of governing with rightful authority rather than relying solely on force.

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