The true natural check on absolute democracy is the federal system, which limits the central government by the powers reserved, and the state governments by the powers they have ceded.
LORD ACTONEvery thing secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity.
More Lord Acton Quotes
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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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There is not a more perilous or immoral habit of mind than the sanctifying of success.
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If some great catastrophe is not announced every morning, we feel a certain void. Nothing in the paper today, we sigh.
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For centuries it was never discovered that education was a function of the State, and the State never attempted to educate.
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Live both in the future and the past. Who does not live in the past does not live in the future.
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Political differences essentially depend on disagreement in moral principles.
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History provides neither compensation for suffering nor penalties for wrong.
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The danger is not that a particular class is unfit to govern: every class is unfit to govern.
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There are two things which cannot be attacked in front: ignorance and narrow-mindedness. They can only be shaken by the simple development of the contrary qualities. They will not bear discussion.
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Moral precepts are constant through the ages and not obedient to circumstances.
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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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Socialism easily accepts despotism. It requires the strongest execution of power — power sufficient to interfere with property.
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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 finest opportunity ever given to the world was thrown away because the passion of equality made vain the hope for freedom.
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Liberty, next to religion has been the motive of good deeds and the common pretext of crime.
LORD ACTON