Quote by Oscar Wilde
All authority is quite degrading. It degrades those who exercise it, and degrades those over whom it is exercised. When it is violently, grossly, and cruelly used, it produces a good effect by creating, or at any rate bringing out, the spirit of revolt and individualism that is to kill it. When it is used with a certain amount of kindness, and accompanied by prizes and rewards, it is dreadfully demoralising. People, in that case, are less conscious of the horrible pressure that is being put on them, and so go through their lives in a sort of coarse comfort, like petted animals, without ever realising that they are probably thinking other people's thoughts, living by other people's standards, wearing practically what one may call other people's second-hand clothes, and never being themselves for a single moment.
Summary
This quote suggests that all forms of authority, whether exercised aggressively or with benevolence, have a degrading effect on both those in power and those under their control. When authority is used oppressively, it fuels a spirit of rebellion and individualism that ultimately leads to its downfall. On the other hand, when authority is accompanied by kindness and rewards, it subtly demoralizes people by making them oblivious to the pressures being imposed on them. Consequently, individuals become like pampered pets, unaware that they are influenced by others' thoughts and standards, wearing second-hand ideas, and losing their own sense of self.
By Oscar Wilde
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