William O. Douglas Quotes

I grew up to always respect authority and respect those in charge.

Those who know the least obey the best.

For years it never occurred to me to question the judgment of those in charge at the studio.

We submit to the majority because we have to. But we are not compelled to call our attitude of subjection a posture of respect.

Woe to him that claims obedience when it is not due; woe to him that refuses it when it is.

We all learn submission because we all have 'bosses', whether we're presidents of companies or not. The easiest place to learn it is in family.

When his noblemen are in his presence, they never look him in the face, but sit cowering, as we upon our knees, so they upon their buttocks with their elbows upon their knees and their hands before their faces, not looking up until the king command them. And when they are coming toward the king, as far as they do see him they do show such reverence, sitting on the ground with their faces covered as before. Likewise, when they depart from him, they turn not their backs toward him, but go creeping backward with like reverence.

It's the way we are - our people show their respect to their leaders by keeping quiet. It is considered rude to speak your mind.

When Kobe talks, I shut up and stay out of his way.

No one loves the man whom he fears.

Must! Is must a word to be addressed to princes? Little man, little man! Thy father, if he had been alive, durst not have used that word.

Authority doesn't work without prestige, or prestige without distance.

Great men always pay deference to greater.

And I particularly like the whole thing of being boss. Boss and employee... It's the slave quality that I find very alluring.

When the Lord sent me forth into the world, He forbade me to put off my hat to any, high or low.

Authority figures are so irritating. Because they always tell you to do things for reasons that aren't very good. That sums up what authority is about for me.

Nothing is more despicable than respect based on fear.

Wherever there is a man who exercises authority, there is a man who resists authority!

Nobody is strong-minded around a President…

I always remember I'm the monkey and he's the organ-grinder.

I don't curtsy to Frank Sinatra and I'm not going to curtsy to a fucking king.

I have neither eye to see, nor tongue to speak here, but as the House is pleased to direct me.

That which is given in submission becomes a medium of defiance.

The intellectual tradition is one of servility to power, and if I didn't betray it I'd be ashamed of myself

The first day of 'Liberty,' I was hanging around waiting for Ford to come in. Everybody told me how tough he was and not to say anything, or he'd single you out and get on you the whole shoot. But as he walked in, I got up and saluted him.