The specific phrase “speaking truth to power” appears to have entered the collective conscious initially among the Quakers.  It is in the title of a 1955 study of international conflict prepared by the Friends Service Committee and the study cites the Quaker tradition as a source of the concept.[1] The idea has more ancient resonances. Prophets have always spoken truth to power. The encounter between Jesus and Pontius Pilate also calls the concept to mind. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What…