Obedience To Authority was written by Stanley Milgram In 1974 and is about scientific testing in the 1960s. While reading this book I went in with little to no expectations. I can now positively say that this book is one of the most terrifying books I have ever read. The reason I say this, the sheer fact that people are willing to follow authority and do what their told even if it hurts people.
One of the tests included a shock test in which a person would shock another person with increasing intensity and pain. The purpose for this test was to show how long people will listen to authority and how long it would take them to stop. This book demonstrates something that is truly horrifying. Others will inflict pain just because they’re “following orders”.
This book has helped me see the weakness in people in that, they will continue to do what they are told, and when they stop it is too late.
I can’t say I enjoyed reading this book because it demonstrated the insanity and the lengths people will go to just because they were told to. I am glad I read this book however as it shows how far people are willing to go, and it shows that Authority can be just as dangerous.
JBSchool 