When Authority Speaks

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Experts, professionals, masters and the enlightened seem to carry a great weight when they pass along their theories, ideas, and advice to lead, mentor and ensure the survival of their group. 

Why is that, why is it that someone perceived as an expert or master or professional holds such sway over others, it's about group human survival where group dynamics effect that group and sometimes others outside the group vying for entry into the group and its called, "influence principles: reciprocity, consistency/commitment, social proof/consensus, authority, liking and scarcity." 

Humans all require social interactions for survival and to support and validate their own idea of self. It is the self and its growth, evolution and belief set through experiences and influences of the group to which they belong that humans by nature's demand require for their very survival. 

This is a deeply embedded "instinct-like" trigger much like the "fight-or-flight response" experienced by humans since they first began almost upright mobility back in the cave-times. These very influence principles guide our human behavior and they are universal principles of, "Persuasion/Influence." 

We see persuasion in all that we do in society and socially. This is the core essence that makes humans tick so it is not to far to stretch to realized that when people perceive one as an authority figure, i.e., expert, senior or enlightened elder, as someone who you should, shall and often must listen too in order to make decisions as to the actions taken that often mean, "Survival, survival of you and your group." 

I quote, "People will do anything for those who encourage their dreams, justify their failures, allay their fears, confirm their suspicions and help them throw rocks at their enemies." Using the influence principles often persuades us to accept, believe and take to action advice and direction from those who are "authority" figures. 

So, when we seek out said advice or when it is given in a group dynamic we see the status and position of that person within the group as indicative of authority and often because of that status and position as indicative of a survivor we assume, often unconsciously, they are providing straight scoop. 

Even tho, in most cases today, groups don't "literally" require their connection and construct to literally survive but in our deepest lizard brain feeding the monkey brain we still seek out everything with the ultimate goal and objective of survival. Remember, there are all sorts of and levels of survival be it in a sport match, to be successful and remain employed at a business or when attacked physically on the street. It's survival regardless of the level, threat and end damage. 

In our modern times I would suggest people to NOT just accept such authority figures at the proverbial face value even when we are sure that they are what they seem. Especially when you don't have a close connected relationship with them through a mutual group dynamic. It comes down to "fact checking" even if they are perceived and believed as authorities, experts and elders of the group, the dojo or the community such as "karate and martial arts communities" that consist of many, many groups. 

It is becoming easier to "fool" others into believing one is an expert or master of this or that especially with the social-revolution we are experiencing in these times, i.e., social media, etc. like FaceBook, Twitter and others. It is why the very phrase exists now simply because fact-checking has resulted in the exposure of the charlatans who speak as if they were experts, masters and the enlightened. 

It is even recommended when reading this and any material I present with a bit of skepticism so that you go out, research, study and understand whether what is presented is of valid value or just another story that sounds good. Healthy skepticism along with a huge dose of fact-checking goes a long way to validate something that may become a part of you, your perceptions, your beliefs and in the application of your discipline.  

"When authority speaks; listen, research, test, discuss with peers, investigate and then accept if it passes the process otherwise, let it go." - cejames

Note: On a lot of occasions, a persons experiences and relationship with an expert will make this process much easier and will in most cases readily accept without question the advice and teachings they provide. Caution is still advised as even the most expert and enlightened may not convey the best advice and information simply because times, social conditions and situations change much like humans through evolutionary processes. It is then incumbent upon the individual in receipt of such wisdom to realize and understand the evolutionary processes so they can synthesize that wisdom and information into that which becomes appropriate to the times, situations and social conditions. 

Caveat: Be aware of the "herd mentality" as well, just because a majority speaks of something as truth and fact doesn't always make it so. 

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