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.

Every thing secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear read more

Every thing secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity.

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.

Property is not the sacred right. When a rich man becomes poor it is a misfortune, it is not a read more

Property is not the sacred right. When a rich man becomes poor it is a misfortune, it is not a moral evil. When a poor man becomes destitute, it is a moral evil, teeming with consequences and injurious to society and morality.

Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.