Be an authority

Authority is not the truth. Truth is the only authority. Simply because someone holds a title or a position of some sort of authority, does not give them sole access to the truth. We're always taught to respect authority and I agree, but one must allow themselves to earn the respect of authority based on merit, not some title they can throw at you. I suggest becoming an authority yourself. What makes authority an authority? Is it what they have actually done or simply convincing enough people they are an authority? Some sort of combination of the two is probably the most logical answer, but the point I am trying to make is don't let other's do the convincing, convince yourself. Life is much better when you can agree or disagree with something and be able to explain why.