“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”
— Erich Fromm
Simplified Meaning:
Authority isn’t something you own like a car or a skill you naturally possess like eye color. Instead, it’s about how people interact with each other, where one sees the other as having more power or importance. Think about a teacher in a classroom. The teacher doesn’t carry authority as a personal trait like being tall. It’s the students' respect and belief in the teacher’s knowledge that gives the teacher power. In our daily lives, we often give authority to people we trust or see as knowledgeable. For example, we listen to doctors because we believe in their medical expertise. To use this idea wisely, recognize that authority comes from others’ trust and respect, not from sheer power. Treat people well to earn their trust, and you’ll naturally gain authority.
