Government rules the present. Literature rules the future.
LORD ACTONGovernment rules the present. Literature rules the future.
LORD ACTONThe true guide of our conduct is no outward authority, but the voice of God, who comes down to dwell in our souls, who knows all our thoughts, to whom are owing all the truth we know, and all the good we do; for vice is voluntary, and virtue comes from the grace of the heavenly spirit within.
LORD ACTONThe principle of the Inquisition was murderous. . . . The popes were not only murderers in the great style, but they also made murder a legal basis of the Christian Church and a condition of salvation.
LORD ACTONIt is bad to be oppressed by a minority, but it is worse to be oppressed by a majority. For there is a reserve of latent power in the masses which, if it is called into play.
LORD ACTONLive both in the future and the past. Who does not live in the past does not live in the future.
LORD ACTONProgress, the religion of those who have none.
LORD ACTONThe minority can seldom resist. But from the absolute will of an entire people there is no appeal, no redemption, no refuge but treason.
LORD ACTONIt is easier to find people fit to govern themselves than people fit to govern others.
LORD ACTONEvery class is unfit to govern.
LORD ACTON. It is the delicate fruit of a mature civilization; and scarcely a century has passed since nations, that knew the meaning of the term, resolved to be free.
LORD ACTONPower tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
LORD ACTONSocialism means slavery.
LORD ACTONDemocracy generally monopolizes and concentrates power.
LORD ACTONIn England Parliament is above the law. In America the law is above Congress.
LORD ACTONThe danger is not that a particular class is unfit to govern. ~ Every class is unfit to govern … Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.
LORD ACTONFederalism is the best curb on democracy. [It] assigns limited powers to the central government. Thereby all power is limited. It excludes absolute power of the majority.
LORD ACTON