Those who have more power are liable to sin more; no theorem in geometry is more certain than this.
LORD ACTONThose who have more power are liable to sin more; no theorem in geometry is more certain than this.
LORD ACTONPower tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
LORD ACTONA wise person does at once, what a fool does at last. Both do the same thing; only at different times.
LORD ACTONA convinced man differs from a prejudiced man as an honest man from a liar.
LORD ACTONAnd remember, where you have a concentration of power in a few hands, all too frequently men with the mentality of gangsters get control. History has proven that.
LORD ACTONWhen you perceive a truth, look for the balancing truth.
LORD ACTONDemocracy generally monopolizes and concentrates power.
LORD ACTONA public man has no right to let his actions be determined by particular interests. He does the same thing as a judge who accepts a bribe. Like a judge he must consider what is right, not what is advantageous to a party or class.
LORD ACTONIf there is any presumption, it is the other way against holders of power…power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
LORD ACTONIf some great catastrophe is not announced every morning, we feel a certain void. Nothing in the paper today, we sigh.
LORD ACTONIt is easier to find people fit to govern themselves than people fit to govern others.
LORD ACTONTruth is the only merit that gives dignity and worth to history.
LORD ACTONSocialism easily accepts despotism. It requires the strongest execution of power — power sufficient to interfere with property.
LORD ACTONCharacter is tested by true sentiments more than by conduct. A man is seldom better than his word.
LORD ACTONEvery thing secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity.
LORD ACTONPower tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
LORD ACTON