Natural and Moral Authority

Natural and Moral Authority

Natural authority is controlled by natural laws that cannot be violated because all actions have consequences. Human beings have the freedom and power to choose, so they have power over the rest of creation.

Moral authority is the principled use of our power to choose, so that we tap into nature when we follow principles in our actions and relationships.

Natural laws (like gravity) and principles (like respect, honesty, integrity, kindness, service and fairness) control the consequences of our choices. We choose our actions but we don’t choose the consequences of those actions; they are determined by natural laws and principles. By the principled, humble use of freedom and power, the humble person obtains moral authority.

Values are social norms, and are personal, emotional, subjective and arguable. The question we must ask ourselves is, “Are my values based on principles?”

Consequences are governed by principles; behavior is governed by values; therefore, value principles.

Moral vertigo occurs when your values are not based on principles, resulting in a loss of what is true and important. You must take the time and effort to center yourself and anchor your values on changeless principles.

The key task is to determine where “True North” is and then align everything with that. Otherwise, you will live with the inevitable consequences of bad choices. Moral authority requires the sacrifice of short-term selfish interests and the exercise of courage in the subordinating social values to principles.


From Steven Covey, The 8th Habit.