The key to the behavior of subjects lies not in pent-up anger or aggression, but in the nature of their relationship to authority. They have given themselves to the authority; they see themselves as instruments for the execution of his wishes; once so defined, they are unable to break free.
—Stanley Milgram
Topics: Authority
The disappearance of a sense of responsibility is the most far-reaching consequence of submission to authority.
—Stanley Milgram
Topics: Responsibility, Authority
Each individual possesses a conscience which to a greater or lesser degree serves to restrain the unimpeded flow of impulses destructive to others.
—Stanley Milgram
It may be that we are puppets-puppets controlled by the strings of society. But at least we are puppets with perception, with awareness. And perhaps our awareness is the first step to our liberation.
—Stanley Milgram
Topics: Awareness
It is easy to ignore responsibility when one is only an intermediate link in a chain of action.
—Stanley Milgram
Topics: Responsibility
The state produced in the laboratory may be likened to a light doze, compared to the profound slumber induced by the preponent authority system of a national government.
—Stanley Milgram
Topics: Authority
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
- Carol Dweck American Psychologist
- Henry Adams American Historian
- Steven Pinker Canadian Psychologist
- George Steiner American Culture Critic
- Henri Nouwen Dutch Catholic Priest
- Ashley Montagu British-American Anthropologist
- Paul Samuelson American Economist
- Daniel Goleman American Psychologist, Author
- Lionel Trilling American Critic
- John Quincy Adams American Head of State
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