What counts as a proper source of authority?

A proper source of authority is someone or something you can really trust to tell you the truth, like your favorite teacher or a rule that’s been around for years.

Imagine you're playing a game with your friends, and one person says, "I just made up this new rule!" That might not be enough to convince everyone. But if your teacher says, "We’re going to follow the rules of the game today," then most people would listen, because teachers are usually trusted in games.

• If someone has been around for a long time and always kept their promises, they're more likely to be a good source.
• If many people agree with what they say, that also helps them become trusted.
• A rule that everyone follows, like the rules in your favorite game, is another kind of proper source of authority, because it's fair and clear.

So when you hear someone making a decision or telling you something important, ask yourself: Can I trust this person? If yes, then they’re probably a proper source of authority.