It Is Not Wisdom But Authority That Makes a Law. T – Tymoff

Have you ever heard about King Tuglaq? He is known as the most foolish king of failed plans. Even though there is debate about whether he is a fool or wise,  my point is that he still made laws after failing each. How is he able to make laws for a large number of people even if it is not working? The answer is also simple: authority! Many wars have taken place to get the authority or power to make rules. Here comes the importance of the quote, “It is not wisdom but authority that makes a law. t – Tymoff”.

There are many intelligent economists in so many underdeveloped countries, but why are they still not growing? They are not the rule makers there. Wisdom is not an important factor to make law.

What is Authority?

In the seventh grade, my friend became the class president. The selection process is done through the democratic votes of students in the class. She is a very extroverted social being with so many connections. The boy who failed the election with her is the smartest boy I ever knew in education and athletics. After that, she made all the decisions and all the laws she made felt silly to all of us.

Authority, in this sense, is the power to make decisions and create laws, much like how a king’s son inherits the throne and can change the rules as he wishes.

Role of Authority in Rule-Making

In my view, authority plays a crucial role in lawmaking by providing the power to create and enforce rules that govern society. Just think about someone who has authority like a leader or any legislator and they are responsible to make laws. For instance, my local council passed a new rule about recycling and they have the right to decide what makes better for the community’s environment. 

The rules made by the school principal can vary according to the school’s goals and maintain order. Authorities always have a set of rules and guides for people to follow.

Key Points Authority Needs to Make Law 

When I got power or authority in the science club, I made some rules for the students to study and reached them very effectively. If you have authority or power, keep these points in mind that helped me with the successful plans.:

1. Clear Mandate: Authority needs a legitimate mandate from the people or governing body they represent to ensure their decisions are backed by legitimacy.
2. Understanding of Issues: The very first thing you should do is analyze the situation, do more research. You can refer to the plans of similar communities and make laws.
3. Enforcement Ability: Law can be made by anyone who has the authority to enforce the laws they create, ensuring compliance and effectiveness need effort and skill.
4. Communication Skills: Leaders should influence and persuade the tribe. They need to communicate and justify their decisions effectively to the public so that they understand and accept the rules. 

What is Wisdom?

For me, wisdom is more than just knowing a lot of facts. I think it’s all about applying the knowledge and experience you got in a thoughtful and balanced way. 

I would just like to share about my grandmother; she always said the right thing to say in tough situations. Not because she had all the answers but because she used her life experiences to guide her decisions. It’s just like a coach who doesn’t just teach the rules of the game but helps players understand when and how to use those rules effectively. Wisdom is also about understanding the deeper meanings of situations and things and making choices that consider long-term effects. 

Role of Wisdom in Lawmaking

In lawmaking, wisdom is vital because it helps transform knowledge into meaningful, effective policies. For me, wisdom means not just knowing the facts but understanding the broader implications of decisions.

If my lawmaker created a new rule that they need to predict all the outcomes it gives, a leader with wisdom will predict the effect of laws and how it affects  people’s lives in the long term. The last thing I planned was an 80s theme for a party. Before that I analyzed the challenges I have to face like availability of such dresses for the 80s party, setting the party stage in the same theme, cost of it and solving silly things. This should be done before determining it.

The Effect of Wisdom in Creating Law

If you want to implement the perfect law that works, the effect of wisdom in creating laws is profound. When lawmakers use wisdom before implementing laws, they are planning successful and long-term laws. For this, all my experience and knowledge will be used.  

When the government crafting environmental regulations, wisdom helps them think about how these laws will protect natural resources for future generations. They are focusing not just on solving today’s problems, but for the future also. Otherwise people can use the plastic bags, if we don’t think about the long term future.

Authority Vs. Wisdom

To me, authority and wisdom serve different but complementary roles. Authority is about having the power to make decisions and enforce rules, like a manager who sets policies at work or a leader who shapes laws. It’s essential for getting things done and maintaining order. Wisdom, on the other hand, is about using experience and insight to make thoughtful, balanced decisions.

It’s like when I have to solve a problem. Having the authority to decide is one thing, but applying wisdom helps me understand the best approach and foresee potential outcomes. Authority gives you power, but wisdom ensures that power is used effectively and responsibly.

Modern Legal System Consists of Authority and Wisdom

I already quoted examples of the king, my friends and me as the leader’s experiences and facts. Now we have to look into the relevance of it. In the new era, authority and wisdom have significance but there are differences in roles.

If you are in doubt, just analyze the U.S. Congress that has the authority to pass federal laws, like the Affordable Care Act, which was a major piece of legislation aimed at reforming healthcare. This power is essential for making sure laws are put into practice and have the backing of the government.

Even though wisdom will be helpful for the powerful ruling and cracking rules, always remember all for the long term. The Supreme Court ruled on Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, and the decision was made with wisdom as well as authority. This growth will be helpful to understand the deep impact that segregation had on society and make a landmark decision to promote equality in education. 

Maintaining  The balance between authority and wisdom

Both authority and wisdom are very important in the lawmaking process. So maintaining a balance between the both will give the expected result in the lawmaking process. Authority helps to give the power to make decisions and wisdom will make sure those decisions are thoughtful and beneficial.

If you still getting confuse, check  the U.S. Congress used its authority passing laws, they always consulted the experts and knowledgeable people on the specific topic before confirming it. If you want to be a leader, acquire wisdom and work for getting the power to implement.

Ethical Considerations in authority and wisdom

It is not about the rules and authority all the time; you should follow certain morals and ethics in making decisions for others. 

1. Fairness and Justice: Authority must check and finalize a law that commits to justice and truth. Creating laws should protect, develop, and benefit the members. 
2. Transparency: Any law you are implementing, convert it very clearly to the people and make them understand the situation. Lawmakers should openly communicate how and why decisions are made, allowing public scrutiny and accountability.
3. Integrity: The laws should be made based on the principles of evidence and not on personal gain or external pressure. I used to try this integrity whenever I was trying to make a law all the time. 
4. Responsiveness: If you are responsive to the community you represent or their concerns, you can be the best lawmaker in any tribe. All you have to do is listen to them and get their feedback. 
5. Equity: Does the lawmaker have any special interest? Bury them. Always make sure that the law is equal for all people and that benefits are provided for all without any partiality.

By considering these ethical principles, lawmakers can use their authority wisely and responsibly, creating laws that are both effective and just. 

FAQS on Wisdom and Authority in Making Law

What did Thomas Hobbes mean by “it is not wisdom but authority that makes a law”?

He meant that laws are not made based on wisdom or rationality. It is made on the authority or power of the man who creates and enforces.

What does Hobbes say about authority?

Thomas Hobbes always argues that authority is very important for maintaining social order and preventing chaos. 

Who said logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end?

The quote “Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end” is from Spock in Star Trek. It means that logic is just the start; true wisdom goes beyond it.