Men cannot be made good by the state, but they can easily be made bad. Morality depends on liberty. — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
We are not sure we are right until we have made the best case possible for those who are wrong. — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
The finest opportunity ever given to the world was thrown away because the passion of equality made vain the hope for freedom. — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
Whenever a single definite object is made the supreme end of the State, be it the advantage of a class, the safety… — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
The principle of the Inquisition was murderous. . . . The popes were not only murderers in the great style, but they… — 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 Image
A liberal is only a bundle of prejudices until he has mastered, has understood, experienced the philosophy of Conservatism. — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
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 Image
In England Parliament is above the law. In America the law is above Congress. — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
There is not a more perilous or immoral habit of mind than the sanctifying of success. — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
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 Image
Character is tested by true sentiments more than by conduct. A man is seldom better than his word. — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
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 Image
