Lord Acton

The most certain test by which we judge whether a country is really free is the amount of security enjoyed read more

The most certain test by which we judge whether a country is really free is the amount of security enjoyed by minorities.

The one pervading evil of democracy is the tyranny of the party that succeeds, by force or fraud, in carrying read more

The one pervading evil of democracy is the tyranny of the party that succeeds, by force or fraud, in carrying elections.

The man who prefers his country before any other duty shows the same spirit as the man who surrenders every read more

The man who prefers his country before any other duty shows the same spirit as the man who surrenders every right to the state. They both deny that right is superior to authority.

There are two things which cannot be attacked in front: ignorance and narrow-mindedness. They can only be shaken by the read more

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.

It is bad to be oppressed by a minority, but it is worse to be oppressed by a majority. For read more

It 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, the minority can seldom resist. But from the absolute will of an entire people there is no appeal, no redemption, no refuge but treason.