Neither an enlightened philosophy, nor all the political wisdom of Rome, nor even the faith and virtue of the Christians availed against the incorrigible tradition of antiquity. Something was wanted, beyond all the gifts of reflection and experience - a… — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
The history of institutions is often a history of deception and illusions; for their virtue depends on the ideas that produce and on the… — Lord Acton Copy Share
A liberal is only a bundle of prejudices until he has mastered, has understood, experienced the philosophy of Conservatism. — Lord Acton Copy Share
Fanaticism displays itself in the masses; but the masses were rarely fanaticised; and the crimes ascribed to it were commonly due to the calculations… — Lord Acton Copy Share
In England Parliament is above the law. In America the law is above Congress. — Lord Acton Copy Share
There is not a more perilous or immoral habit of mind than the sanctifying of success. — Lord Acton Copy Share
It was from America that the plain ideas that men ought to mind their business, and that the nation is responsible to Heaven for… — Lord Acton Copy Share
Character is tested by true sentiments more than by conduct. A man is seldom better than his word. — Lord Acton Copy Share
Liberty and good government do not exclude each other; and there are excellent reasons why they should go together. Liberty is not a means… — Lord Acton Copy Share
There are many things the government cant do, many good purposes it must renounce. It must leave them to the enterprise of others. It… — Lord Acton Copy Share
