What gives authority to those who claim it? Whether it is age, experience, talent, or money, the only true factor is simply power and attitude. I can be the oldest, most experienced, most talented, and richest, but still be placed as a subordinate if I do not have the attitude that says “Listen to me”.
While I could turn this into a government-bashing rant, today I simply am pointing out how his applies in everyday life. When I was younger, I listened unquestioningly to my elder brothers and parents. I seemed logical because they were so much older. I assumed that age was what was important. However, as my younger sister grew, I found that this wasn’t the case. She began to see that if she would only have the right attitude, I would give in to what she wanted and listen to what she commanded.
While this is no longer a problem, I find that this still applies to my daily activities, no matter where I am. The authority in school changes with my every action. In a classroom the teacher has authority. In the hallways, every employee of the building has authority. And if I would do some action that is considered extremely unacceptable, the ultimate carte-blanche goes to the dean, principal, or school officer. While the ultimate would never happen in my case, I find it amazing how with my every movement, the power shifts and expands.
My power only shows when I am needed by others. Even then, it seems, they are simply following my instructions in the case that it might make me feel inclined to solve their problems. Though I do not thirst for anything like supremacy, I do wish for an ear every once in a while to listen to the opinions I have.
The ultimate authority in this world I have found belongs to people that you would never think of. They are the few who do not follow the usual rules for power, and instead stay quiet, never trying to fight for control. These are the people who usually say nothing, for when they do speak, everyone expects wisdom and insight from them. Even a powerful king would listen to a hermit that speaks out for the first time in years. A vicious and horrible dictator would make sacred the words of a monk who had been sworn to secrecy. If you looked at a mime one day, and he whispered something in your ear, you would at least think about doing what he asked, for it must be important for him to break his silence.
What gives authority to those who claim it? Though the world may listen to those who look like they have power, we would all be better off listening to those who never speak. Maybe silence will lead to a better world.
