The Journey to Earn Genuine Social Authority

Public authority is not simply a gift provided by an official position; rather, it is the result of hard work, personal achievements, and sincere humanity. At first, people naturally trust those who hold certain positions, whether a teacher or a priest, but the path to deep respect lies in personal development and consistent actions. A person must not only benefit from their status but also transform it into a powerful tool to demonstrate their competence and moral virtues. When an individual confidently overcomes life’s challenges and achieves results, they have the opportunity to earn true recognition—one that isn’t imposed externally but is freely born out of inner strength and self-assurance. Ultimately, the combination of inherent trust and earned respect forms the foundation for genuine authority, where personal values and accomplishments play a decisive role in establishing strong social bonds and trust.

How can one earn public authority?

To earn public authority, it is important to combine the natural trust that comes with a position (such as a teacher's status) with personal successes and inner qualities that prove one’s competence and humanity. For example, one source states:

"How to earn authority? Initially, trust in a teacher—especially one working with primary school children—is given completely for free, solely because of their position. However, it must later be earned on a personal basis. And if, perhaps, a teacher, succumbing to temptation, turns authority into power, it generally leads to many difficulties in working with children." (source: link )

This statement emphasizes that the initial trust, conditioned by social status, must be supplemented by personal achievements and consistent actions. Another source observes that authority has a dual origin: firstly, it is granted to an individual based on the position they occupy (for example, a teacher or priest), and secondly, it is the result of a personal “victory” achieved by overcoming life’s challenges:

"Returning to the question of authority, we see that its origin is dual. Authority, in one case, is given to a person simultaneously with their position—a teacher, a priest; in another case, it is the result of a personal 'victory'. The beginning of teaching itself is authoritative. The teacher’s word is socially 'greater', more significant than an ordinary word. Here, the 'added value' emanating from the position itself constitutes the basis for authority." (source: link )

These ideas suggest that public authority cannot be imposed from without; it arises where an individual not only possesses strength but also the freedom to act according to their convictions—a kind of experience of communal solidarity. This is further supported by the statement:

"Authority is both 'strength and freedom'; it cannot be imposed but can only be freely recognized." (source: link )

Thus, to earn public authority, one must rely on a combination of the social expectations initially conferred by a position (for example, that of a teacher) and subsequent personal growth reinforced by achievements, sincerity, and a responsible attitude toward one’s duties. This path leads to genuine respect that is based not solely on external attributes but is deeply rooted in personal qualities and proven experience.