"I've always had trouble with authority"

John Milius’ admission reveals a deep-seated skepticism toward systems of power and the individuals or institutions that wield it. To have “trouble with authority” signals a restless spirit, often marked by questioning, resistance, or outright defiance of the rules and expectations enforced by those in control, be they parents, teachers, government officials, or societal norms at large. For some, this disposition is fostered by a desire for independence and personal freedom, an innate belief that one’s own judgment supersedes prescribed orders. Milius embodies the archetype of the independent thinker, suggesting that he finds meaning and authenticity by challenging rather than blindly accepting authority.

Such an orientation is often viewed both as a liability and a virtue. On the one hand, tension with authority can lead to conflict, alienation, or trouble navigating structured environments where compliance is rewarded and dissidence is punished. On the other hand, history is replete with change agents, artists, revolutionaries, visionaries, who push boundaries precisely because they reject the status quo. In the context of creative arts and storytelling, this worldview can spark storytelling that exposes hypocrisy, investigates corruption, or celebrates the antihero. Milius himself, known for his larger-than-life scripts and characters, often gravitated toward tales of rebellion and nonconformity, echoing his personal stance.

At its root, struggling with authority reflects a worldview that privileges self-direction and critical thinking. It’s not merely a blanket opposition to rules, but an insistence on understanding the reasons behind them and pushing back when they seem arbitrary or unjust. For someone like Milius, the sentiment encapsulates a restless creative energy, a refusal to accept limits imposed from above, and an embrace of the friction that comes with carving one’s own path. Ultimately, this attitude can act as both a personal compass and a catalyst for challenging conversations, new perspectives, and fresh ideas.