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5. Still, there is always an element of arbitrariness in any arrangement of roles or offices, and it is nearly always arguable that some different set of arrangements would enable an important activity to be carried out equally effectively, or even more effectively, or an important institution to function at least as well or even better.

6.
And yet, if very much attention is given to alternative possible arrangements, any activity or institution will be disrupted; consequently, in practice, the pursuit of any activity or the work of any institution is possible only among those who are not paralyzed in the face of an indefinite range of alternatives, but are prepared to follow one procedure, one set of roles, one arrangement of offices, and the authority that goes with it.

7.
But even an authority that is justified may be abused or used inappropriately, thereby hindering the pursuit of the very objectives on which its justification rests.

8.
Therefore, it is appropriate constantly to refer every authority back to the objectives by reference to which it is understood and justified, even though it is not appropriate to rail indiscriminately against authority and to
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overlook its ubiquity and indispensability to all the human activities that are themselves not only important but indispensable.

July 1996