by Harold E. French
"Does it follow that I reject all authority? Far from me such a thought. In the matter of boots, I refer to the authority of the bootmaker; concerning houses, canals, or railroads, I consult that if the architect or engineer. For such or such special knowledge I apply to such or such a savant. But I allow neither the bootmaker nor the architect nor the savant to impose his authority upon me. I listen to them freely + with respect merited by their intelligence, their character, their knowledge, reserving always my incontestable right off criticism + censure. I do not content myself with consulting a single authority in any special branch; I consult several; I compare their opinions, + I choose that which seems to me the soundest. But I recognize no infallible authority, even in special questions; consequently, whatever respect I may have for the honesty + sincerity of such and such an individual, I have no faith in any person. Such a faith would be fatal to my reason, to my liberty, + even to the success of my undertakings; it would immediately transform me into a stupid slave, an instrument of the will + interests of others."
—Michael Bakunin, "God + the State"
[i.e.—DTA (est. 2008)]
No comments:
Post a Comment