Respecting Authority

Respecting authority is essential for order and learning. The Mature Warrior recognizes legitimate authority, follows appropriate leadership, and learns from those with more experience. His respect is not blind obedience but discerning acknowledgment of earned position and wisdom.

The Mercenary respects only power and follows whoever is strongest. The Loser either blindly obeys all authority or rebels against all authority. The Mature Warrior respects legitimate authority while maintaining his own integrity.

Respecting authority requires several capacities:

Discernment: The Warrior tells legitimate authority from mere power. He respects earned position and demonstrated wisdom.

Humility: The Warrior acknowledges that others know more than he does. He is a student as well as a leader.

Followership: The Warrior follows well when appropriate. He supports legitimate leadership rather than undermining it.

Learning: The Warrior uses authority relationships to learn. He extracts wisdom from those above him.

Integrity: The Warrior maintains his own values even while respecting authority. He doesn't follow orders that violate his ethics.

Appropriate challenge: The Warrior respectfully challenges authority when needed. He doesn't confuse respect with silence.

Respecting authority might mean following a teacher's guidance, supporting a legitimate leader, or learning from someone with more experience. The Warrior's respect for authority enables him to learn and function within necessary hierarchies.

This respect creates order and learning. When warriors respect legitimate authority, organizations function well and knowledge passes between generations.

The Warrior who masters this skill learns from those above him, supports legitimate leadership, and maintains his integrity within necessary hierarchies. He neither blindly obeys nor reflexively rebels.