It was from America that the plain ideas that men ought to mind their business, and that the nation is responsible to… — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
For centuries it was never discovered that education was a function of the State, and the State never attempted to educate. But… — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
Men cannot be made good by the state, but they can easily be made bad. Morality depends on liberty. — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
The State is competent to assign duties and draw the line between good and evil only in its immediate sphere. Beyond the… — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
The barbarians, who possessed no books, no secular knowledge, no education, except in the schools of the clergy, and who had scarcely… — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
I saw in States' rights the only availing check upon the absolutism of the sovereign will, and secession filled me with hope,… — Lord Acton Copy Share Image
The true natural check on absolute democracy is the federal system, which limits the central government by the powers reserved, and the… — 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 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
