What is the meaning of quote by Einstein.

It means that one must question authority. Not to the point of rebellion, but to the point of self-preservation. Men govern by the consent of the governed. If the populace doesn't think, the government can take away any rights, and rule with an iron fist. The government can lie, cheat, and steal, and if the populace doesn't think, then the government gets away with it.

This famous remark, to me , means one should not believe what the authority says blindly. For example, if one's father says a good boy should be honest. But if you are completely honest to a stranger who is actually an impostor. Then you may end up to be cheated and loose a lot of money. And many authority, say the president of a country are actually liars, if you respect what he says without any thinking, you are sure misled.