Authority when needed

[Boriznov]

I have a question i've been thinking about lately,

what about the authority figure when it's needed ? for example a firemen training, you need a officer to push you for you to keep up with the training. even a coach of a football team can be used for this example.

[Cyanide Suicide]

Yeah, but things like that aren't forced under a law. You don't have to follow the orders of a football coach or boss with fear of legal consequences. That's how I seperate that kind of an example from say a police officer.

[Fawkes]

This thread may help answer your questions. (http://www.revleft.com/index.php?showtopic=59521&st=0)

[RevMARKSman]

even a coach of a football team can be used for this example.


I dunno bout you but my teammates, if they were actually serious about what they were doing, would provide tons more motivation than an angry coach. The second day of football practice (American football) I made a few mistakes by forgetting the snap count and was responsible for the team having to run 6 laps right afterward. A couple months later he kicked us off the field for a bad pregame practice, and it did nothing to help us the next day. These things only made me furious at my coach, who really wasn't so bad but was trying to push us too hard (we ended up 0-6-1). Coaches are fine for children who don't know the strategies of the game, or for people who are not serious/don't want to be doing it (this phenomenon would be reduced significantly in communist society--no parental pressures or economic pressures), but most people can be motivated by the expectations of comrades and teammates.


for example a firemen training, you need a officer to push you for you to keep up with the training.

Again, if you're training in groups, the same principle applies. Teammates = good, and if you really want to be a fireman you won't quit the training. In dangerous situations, again teammates = good.

[Boriznov]

Thanks for the link Fawkes

Monica, what i mean is, you need a person to learn you the sport or job, don't you ? that's what i mean with the "authority"

[RevMARKSman]

Originally posted by [email protected] 23, 2007 06:34 pm
Thanks for the link Fawkes

Monica, what i mean is, you need a person to learn you the sport or job, don't you ? that's what i mean with the "authority"
Oh, absolutely. It's just that the teacher is not necessarily in a position of authority over you just because they teach. They can't make your life miserable perse, like a coach or boss could.

[Boriznov]

Thanks for the replies, i understand now

[Fawkes]

Monica, what i mean is, you need a person to learn you the sport or job, don't you ? that's what i mean with the "authority"
Read the link I gave you and it explains this.

[Boriznov]

Originally posted by [email protected] 24, 2007 12:54 am

Monica, what i mean is, you need a person to learn you the sport or job, don't you ? that's what i mean with the "authority"
Read the link I gave you and it explains this.
I've read the thread, thanks :)

[Fawkes]

No problem.

[which doctor]

Submission to such authority would be entirely voluntary, therefore making it not really authority at all.

[bezdomni]

The best "leaders" are subtle...meaning they don't push you around.

You do what they say because they know what they are doing and because you trust them, not because you are afraid to disobey them. It could be a group of teammates, as Monica suggested...or it could be a personal trainer or math tutor or something.

[RGacky3]

Originally posted by [email protected] 24, 2007 02:18 am
Submission to such authority would be entirely voluntary, therefore making it not really authority at all.
Good point, if Authority is never Inate, its not Authority. If someone earns trust, if someone is good at convincing people, or whatever, fine, as long as he does'nt coerce anyone.

[Mordichai]

I think George Orwell paints a good image of how authority works in an Anarchist system. In the militas there were officers and commanders, but they were never adressed in titles or in any way other than as equals. But their decisions and instructions were respected due to their experience and knowledge.