auctōrĭtas (not autōr– nor authōr– ), ātis, f. auctor, acc. to the different signiff. of that word,
I. In gen., a producing, production, invention, cause

II. Esp.,
A.A view, opinion, judgment
B.Counsel, advice, persuasion, encouragement to something (esp. if made with energy and sustained by the authority and influence of the counsellor)
C.Will, pleasure, decision, bidding, command, precept, decree
D. Liberty, ability, power, authority to do according to one’s pleasure
E. Might, power, authority, reputation, dignity, influence, weight
F. An example, pattern, model
G. A warrant, security for establishing a fact, assertion, etc., credibility
H. Right of possession

From Charlton T. Lewis & Charles Short’s Latin Dictionary.

It is trite to open with a definition.  Nevertheless, when a word is unfamiliar, it is sometimes necessary.  This space is named in Latin because the ancient tongue itself lends unearned auctoritas.

We have reached a period of transition. The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union.  Russia is exerting influence throughout Europe and the Middle East with actions in Syria and Crimea.  The United States has given the keys of government to far right nationalists.  Rarely have such periods of transition been obvious to the people living in them.

This space will be used to explore that transition and to examine it.  Perhaps something written here will be worth reading to someone else.

Cover photo:
Roman era columns at Jerash taken by David Bjorgen, used under Creative Commons license.