Lord Acton

The most certain test by which we judge whether a country is really free is the amount of security enjoyed read more

The most certain test by which we judge whether a country is really free is the amount of security enjoyed by minorities.

It is bad to be oppressed by a minority, but it is worse to be oppressed by a majority. For read more

It is bad to be oppressed by a minority, but it is worse to be oppressed by a majority. For there is a reserve of latent power in the masses which, if it is called into play, the minority can seldom resist. But from the absolute will of an entire people there is no appeal, no redemption, no refuge but treason.

Opinions alter, manners change, creeds rise and fall, but the moral laws are written on the table of eternity.

Opinions alter, manners change, creeds rise and fall, but the moral laws are written on the table of eternity.

Every thing secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear read more

Every thing secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity.

The one pervading evil of democracy is the tyranny of the party that succeeds, by force or fraud, in carrying read more

The one pervading evil of democracy is the tyranny of the party that succeeds, by force or fraud, in carrying elections.