John Acton

The fate of every democracy, of every government based on the sovereignty of the people, depends on the choices it read more

The fate of every democracy, of every government based on the sovereignty of the people, depends on the choices it makes between these opposite principles, absolute power on the one hand, and on the other the restraints of legality and the authority of tradition.

History provides neither compensation for suffering nor penalties for wrong.

History provides neither compensation for suffering nor penalties for wrong.

If the past has been an obstacle and a burden, knowledge of the past is the safest and the surest read more

If the past has been an obstacle and a burden, knowledge of the past is the safest and the surest emancipation.

By liberty I mean the assurance that every man shall be protected in doing what he believes is his duty read more

By liberty I mean the assurance that every man shall be protected in doing what he believes is his duty against the influence of authority and majorities, custom and opinion.

Liberty is the condition of duty, the guardian of conscience. It grows as conscience grows. The domains of both grow read more

Liberty is the condition of duty, the guardian of conscience. It grows as conscience grows. The domains of both grow together. Liberty is safety from all hindrances, even sin. So that Liberty ends by being Free Will.