Have you ever wondered how far you would go if someone in authority told you to do something? The story of Milgram’s experiment is one of the most fascinating and disturbing chapters in the history of psychology, and it still makes us reflect on our own decisions today.
The Origin of Milgram’s Experiment
In 1961, psychologist Stanley Milgram at Yale University designed a study that would shock the world. He wanted to understand why so many ordinary people had followed orders during the Holocaust, committing terrible acts in the name of obedience. Was it possible that regular citizens, in a laboratory setting, would also follow harmful instructions?
The Shocking Setup
Volunteers thought they were part of a memory and learning study. They were told to administer electric shocks to another participant each time he answered incorrectly. In reality, no shocks were given—the person receiving them was an actor—but the volunteers didn’t know that.
As the supposed shocks increased in intensity, the “victim” began to scream, bang on the wall, and eventually fall silent. Despite their hesitation, most participants continued pressing the switches when the man in the white lab coat insisted: “The experiment must continue.”
The Results: More Obedient Than Expected
The findings stunned both the public and the scientific community. Around two-thirds of participants delivered what they thought were the maximum, dangerous shocks. Many were visibly distressed—sweating, trembling, even pleading to stop—yet they still obeyed. The pressure of authority was enough to override their personal values.
Why Does This Matter?
Milgram’s experiment revealed something deeply uncomfortable: under certain conditions, most of us are capable of doing harm if someone we perceive as an authority figure tells us to. This raises important questions about responsibility, ethics, and how easily our sense of morality can be influenced.
Think about your own life. Have you ever gone along with something at work, at school, or in society simply because it was expected—even if you felt it wasn’t right? The forces Milgram uncovered are not just history; they shape our everyday choices.
A Lesson That Still Resonates Today
Decades later, Milgram’s findings remain a warning about blind obedience. From politics to corporate environments, from social media to group dynamics, the temptation to “just follow orders” is still with us. But the experiment also offers hope: recognizing this tendency gives us the power to resist it.
The next time you feel pressured to obey without question, remember Milgram’s study—and ask yourself: Am I acting out of my own values, or just because someone told me to?
Want to Go Deeper?
We’ve created a video on our PsyLife YouTube channel where we explain the Milgram experiment in a clear and visual way, including its historical context, what participants experienced, and why it still matters today. Don’t miss it if you want to see this story come to life.
