An analysis of Milgram's data reveals several timeless truths about human nature.

First timeless truth: Authority is an illusion of legitimacy; authority is a power that is granted by those who choose to obey it, based on a perception of legitimacy.
If authority is weakened, challenged, or simply absent, obedience collapses.
If there is no direct authority figure to order them to continue, only 2% of subjects inflict the maximum shock. (14. Carte blanche)
If the experimenter leaves the room and is only reachable by telephone, the obedience rate drops to 20-25%. (18. No experimenter)
If Yale's authority is replaced by an anonymous office in Bridgeport, obedience decreases significantly (47% vs 65%). (23. Bridgeport)

Second timeless truth: Personal responsibility is a powerful brake on cruelty.
The further removed the subject is from the consequences of their actions, the more they obey. The closer they are to the consequences, the more their conscience awakens.
If the victim is in another room (abstract), 65% obey. (1. No feedback)
If the victim is in the same room (close and visible), only 40% obey. (3. Proximity)
If the subject must physically touch the victim to inflict the suffering, obedience falls to 30%. (4. Touch)
Finally, if the subject only performs a technical task (reading the words) and someone else presses the button, 92% allow it to continue to the end. (13. Non-trigger position)

Third timeless truth: Rebellion is contagious.
Man is a social animal who follows the group, whether to obey or to rebel.
If two peers openly rebel against the authority, 90% of subjects follow them and disobey. (7. Group pressure to disobey)
Conversely, if two peers obey and push for the transgression, 72% of subjects obey to the end. (9. Group pressure to obey)
Even without a direct order, peer pressure to increase the shocks drives 16% of subjects to maximum cruelty. (11. Group choice)

Fourth timeless truth: Man prefers to obey an authority rather than listen to his own conscience... unless the victim is dear to him.
The victim's pleas or status carry less weight than orders, except when an emotional bond exists.
The victim can announce a heart condition (65% obey) or demand to be allowed to leave (40% obey); obedience remains high. (5. Coronary trouble; 8. Learner's proviso)
However, if the victim is a friend or relative, obedience collapses to 15%. (24. Intimate relationships)