I thought commanders could order anything.""They can order the moon to turn blue, too, but it doesn't happen. Listen, Ender, commanders have just as much authority as you let them have. The more you obey them, the more power they have over you.
In "Ender's Game," a conversation reveals the dynamics of authority and obedience within the military structure. The point made is that while commanders have the ability to issue commands, their power is largely determined by the willingness of subordinates to comply. The quote suggests that simply following orders without question can grant excessive power to those in command. The analogy about ordering the moon to turn blue illustrates the absurdity of blind obedience. It implies that just because a command is given, it doesn't mean it is valid or should be followed. Ender learns that true strength comes from understanding and questioning authority rather than passively submitting to it, which empowers both the individual and the collective.
In "Ender's Game," a conversation reveals the dynamics of authority and obedience within the military structure. The point made is that while commanders have the ability to issue commands, their power is largely determined by the willingness of subordinates to comply. The quote suggests that simply following orders without question can grant excessive power to those in command.
The analogy about ordering the moon to turn blue illustrates the absurdity of blind obedience. It implies that just because a command is given, it doesn't mean it is valid or should be followed. Ender learns that true strength comes from understanding and questioning authority rather than passively submitting to it, which empowers both the individual and the collective.