Problems with Authority

And the difference between bosses and leaders

“Cum potestas in populo auctoritas in senatu sit.” (While power resides in the people, authority rests with the Senate.) — Cicero

Some people have problems with authority.

You’ve seen it. Whether in relationships, work situations, or the government. They simply refuse to follow rules or adhere to norms, and while ignoring the aberration of their own behavior, belittle those who want to live harmoniously as “sheep.”

The term authority comes from the Latin auctoritas, meaning might, power, influence, clout; the general level of prestige or reputation a person held in Roman society.

To ignore authority is to ignore reputation and the associated respect that comes with attaining such a level of influence.

The difference lies in how one goes about obtaining such power: in other words, the power lies not only in the office, but in the office holder as well.

“Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” — Abraham Lincoln

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