But when modern absolutism arose, it laid claim to everything on behalf of the sovereign power….
LORD ACTONLiberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.
More Lord Acton Quotes
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Feudalism made land the measure and the master of all things.
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Despotic power is always accompanied by corruption of morality.
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There are many things the government cant do, many good purposes it must renounce. It must leave them to the enterprise of others. It cannot feed the people. It cannot enrich the people. It cannot teach the people. It cannot convert the people.
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Though oppression may give rise to violent and repeated outbreaks, like the convulsions of a man in pain, it cannot mature a settled purpose and plan of regeneration, unless a new notion of happiness is joined to the sense of present evil.
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Character is tested by true sentiments more than by conduct. A man is seldom better than his word.
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Liberty has not only enemies which it conquers, but perfidious friends, who rob the fruits of its victories: Absolute democracy, socialism.
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Democracy generally monopolizes and concentrates power.
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Fanaticism in religion is the alliance of the passions she condemns with the dogmas she professes.
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The passion for power over others can never cease to threaten mankind, and is always sure of finding new and unforseen allies in continuing its martyrology.
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. 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.
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The will of the people cannot make just that which is unjust.
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Truth is the only merit that gives dignity and worth to history.
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The 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.
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And 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.
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The finest opportunity ever given to the world was thrown away because the passion of equality made vain the hope for freedom.
LORD ACTON