Adapting Authority

The cultural value of authority seems to have been imbedded in the human race since the dawn of civilization, for every civilization seemed to have a governing entity, guiding the community and making higher decisions for them.

It is only because of such a value that nations can be united, progressing together as one big entity instead of individuals doing things purely for short term personal gains. China would not have been united if not for the authority of the warlords fighting each other and trying to consolidate land. Singapore would not have achieved such rapid growth from a third world country without any natural resources to a first world urban utopia, without the strict policies of the People's Action Party.

Democracy has however eroded the respect for and importance of authority, for it preaches equality of every man, arguing against complete autocracy. These days, ideas such as human rights and equality are of the utmost importance. Thus, to improve the use of authority, I feel that we should adapt authority to one, not of complete decision-making disregarding the people's voices, but one which decides the best course of action after hearing the mass's thoughts. The people on the other hand should also see authority as not chains which are controlling them, but leaders who are rallying their communities to achieve far greater results collectively.