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Adelaide Coastline, photograph by P.J. Sandiford

The arrogance of authority… By Peter John Sandiford

It’s been a while since I shared anything; I don’t think this one needs any explanation.

The biggest mistake that can be
(And usually is) made: 
“They need me.”
Of course They don’t.

Authority is position granted,
Not personal.
No one is indispensable,
Irreplaceable.
“They” need a boss
A supervisor
A manager
A president
An administrator
An assistant
A colleague
A collaborator
A praiser
A praisee
A lackey
A scapegoat
A punchbag
Even a leader
And perhaps not even that.
Peter John Sandiford, 2nd January 2026

2 responses to “The arrogance of authority… By Peter John Sandiford”

  1. Dr Ankit Agarwal (AA, the talking wall) Avatar
    Dr Ankit Agarwal (AA, the talking wall)

    Oh, They Need Me, Oh Yeah, They Do!

    Oh, they need me, can’t you see?

    Without my brilliance, who would they be?

    I’m the sun in their sky, the spark in their night,

    Without my genius, they’d surely take flight!

    A boss, a manager, a president too,

    But really, let’s face it, they need me; it’s true!

    For every decision, they look to my grace,

    What would they do without my shining face?

    An assistant, a colleague, a praiser of sorts,

    I am the glue holding together their thoughts.

    A scapegoat, a punchbag, oh what a delight!

    They need me for drama, to fuel their plight.

    But let’s not forget, in this grand charade,

    Without my grand presence, their plans would just fade.

    So here’s  to the truth, let’s raise a toast,

    To the “need” that they claim; oh, I am such a boast!

    So while they pretend that I am vital, it’s clear,

    In the grand scheme of things, I am just passing here.

    For when I am not there, they will find someone new,

    Oh yes, they need me; oh yeah, they do!

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    Reply
  2. Peter Sandiford Avatar
    Peter Sandiford

    Indeed, Ankit. Thanks.

    Like

    Reply

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