"ليس الحكمة بل السلطة هي التي تصنع القانون"

There's a big difference between wisdom and authority—especially when it comes to making laws. Wisdom is all about understanding and good judgment. Authority, on the other hand, is about power and control. This idea is central to understanding why laws exist and who gets to make them.

Historically, the quote speaks volumes about the nature of lawmaking. Think back to ancient times when kings and emperors made the rules. Sure, some of them were wise, but many were just powerful. They could make or break laws on a whim, and their authority was rarely questioned. This isn't just some ancient relic, though. Even today, the people who draft and pass laws aren't always the wisest among us. They are the ones who hold power, whether it's through elections, appointments, or other means.

Imagine a small community with a conflict about how to share a water source. The local leader decides to impose rules on how the water should be used. Now, this leader may not have the best ideas—or wisdom—about how to distribute the water fairly or sustainably. But because they hold authority, their decision becomes law. The wisdom here would be in understanding the needs and rights of all community members, maybe even consulting experts or the community itself. Yet, it's the leader's authority that seals the deal.

So, how do you apply this idea in real life? First, recognize that just because something is a law doesn't mean it's wise. Question laws and the people who make them. Engage in your community and advocate for laws that are not just authoritative but also wise. This means voting, participating in public discussions, and even running for office if that's your thing. Authority without wisdom can lead to policies that are unfair, ineffective, or even harmful. We need both to create a just society.

Picture this: You're at a city council meeting. The agenda includes a proposal to build a new highway through a local park. The council members, who have the authority, seem set on the project. But you and many others love this park for its natural beauty and the community it fosters. You speak up, sharing stories and data about the park's value. You argue that a wise decision would consider the environmental impact and public opinion. Maybe you don't sway everyone, but you've highlighted the difference between raw authority and true wisdom.

In our everyday lives, this concept reminds us to seek out and value wisdom while recognizing the role of authority. Whether it's at work, in community issues, or even within our families, wise decisions often mean listening, understanding, and thinking deeply—not just wielding power. And when those in authority do all that, we're better off for it. So next time you encounter a rule or a decision, ask yourself: Is this wise, or just authoritative? And when you have the chance, advocate for wisdom.