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Blind Obedience Quotes

Challenging the idea that morality means following orders

These blind obedience quotes challenge the assumption that morality is simply obeying commands, warning instead that unquestioning submission to power leads toward tyranny.

What we call 'morals' is simply blind obedience to words of command.

Quotes by Havelock Ellis

The doctrine of blind obedience and unqualified submission to any human power, whether civil or ecclesiastical, is the doctrine of despotism, and ought to have no place among Republicans and Christians.

Quotes by Angelina Grimke

Frequently Asked Questions

What claim does the first blind obedience quote make about morals?
It suggests that what people call morals may really just be obedience to commands.
What warning does the second quote give?
It warns that unquestioning submission to any authority leads toward despotism.
Does either quote support blind obedience?
No, both are critical of it and argue against unquestioning submission.
What kinds of authority does the second quote mention?
It mentions both civil and religious types of authority.
What broader value do these blind obedience quotes defend?
They defend independent judgment and resistance to unquestioning submission over blind compliance.

Both lines argue that real ethics requires more than compliance, cautioning against surrendering judgment to either civil or religious authority.