Quote by Erich Fromm
Authority is not a quality one person has, in the sense that he has property or physical qualities. Authority refers to an interpersonal relation in which one person looks upon another as somebody superior to him.
Summary
This quote emphasizes that authority is not a personal attribute possessed by a single individual. Instead, it highlights authority as a form of interpersonal relationship, wherein one person perceives and acknowledges another as superior or having a higher position. It suggests that authority is not inherently tied to physical qualities or possessions, but rather is based on the perception and recognition of superiority by others. This viewpoint emphasizes the social nature of authority and its reliance on the perspectives and judgments of individuals within a given context.
By Erich Fromm