This quote highlights teh importance of authority in ensuring respect for people’s rights. In essence, it suggests that without power or influence, individuals’ rights are likely to be disregarded or violated.This is because authority often serves as a safeguard against potential abuses, ensuring that rules are followed adn that people are treated fairly.
The idea of authority here does not necessarily pertain to formal political power; it could also refer to social influence, moral standing, knowledge, or any form of leverage that can be used to assert one’s rights. Without such authority, there is no guarantee that others will respect thes rights out of goodwill alone.
In today’s world, this concept applies in various contexts. As an example, marginalized communities frequently enough struggle for their rights as they lack the necessary political and economic power needed to enforce them. The same goes for employees in workplaces where there is a important power imbalance between workers and management.
On a personal level too this idea holds relevance. For example in terms of self-advancement and interpersonal relationships: if you don’t establish your boundaries (a form of personal authority) clearly with others around you - family members, friends or colleagues – your personal space and freedom (your individual ‘rights’) might not get the respect they deserve.
Hence Bancroft’s assertion emphasizes on empowerment at both societal as well as individual levels – highlighting how crucial it is for everyone to have some kind of ‘authority’ so their fundamental ‘rights’ aren’t undermined but rather respected by all.