Accounts Quote by Lord Acton
“A generous spirit prefers that his country should be poor, and weak, and of no account, but free, rather than powerful, prosperous, and enslaved.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of Freedom and Power, 1885
A free nation is better than a powerful, rich one that loses its moral integrity.
In simple terms: Freedom outweighs wealth and strength.
Choose liberty over material gain.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- national policy
- civil rights movements
- economic reforms
- foreign aid
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What freedoms are you willing to sacrifice for security?
- How can societies balance wealth and liberty?
Powerful states often compromise freedoms to maintain control.