Should you always question authority?
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Respect authority. If they’re above us, don’t question them. They’re right. However, being blindly obedient and complying with an authority figure solely because they have, or appear to have, authority makes zero sense if we ignore the morality and face value of what we’re being instructed to do.
Questioning brings security in what you believe. You have to know the “why” behind the “why” in order to know why you do what you do. When you can come back with a solid answer on why things are done, you then know it is the right thing to do.
Is it human nature to question authority?
Questioning authority means that we don’t always agree with authority, but also realize our dependence on authority figures. This conflict is normal to human nature.
When should we question authority?
We’re right to question authority when we think that authority is unfounded, unjust, or otherwise just screwed up somehow.
We, creative people, have a moral and ethical obligation to challenge the status quo at every opportunity. Authority must not be given free reign to go unquestioned. Never accept lame responses. Use your art to break the rules….Those rules are;
- Break the rules.
- Don’t get caught.
- Respect all living things on this planet.
When you challenge something, don’t challenge authority, challenge yourself first. That’s right; challenge yourself. Your challenge is to respectfully bring up a topic, suggest or recommend an alternative to a process. Understand right from the start that you may be successful and you may not.
How do you deal with difficult authority?
Here are 11 tips you can use the next time you have to deal with someone in a position of authority.
- Listen carefully.
- Maintain your self-confidence.
- Use empathy with authority figures.
- Work to understand their business objectives.
- Mind your manners.
- Apologize when appropriate.
- Don’t take it personally.
- Show respect.
Is it ever okay to question authority?
It is always okay to question authority. You are a human being, not a machine; do not let those above you trick you into thinking otherwise. Even the most trustworthy of people make poor decisions and it is your job to let them know when. If they tell you to jump of a cliff, do not do it.
Respect authority. If they’re above us, don’t question them. They’re right. At first glance, this respect and willingness to obey authority at all costs makes sense.
It is possible to respectably question authority by first, acknowledging the benefits of the current ways of doing things and the current situation. Then, do research before presenting your idea to those that you need to get clarification from.
How do you answer the question “why are you doing such-and-such?
In a perfect world, professionals would respond to the question, “why are you doing such-and-such?”, respectfully posed, with a calm explanation. But that’s not always what happens.