Lord Acton

John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton KCVO (January 10, 1834 June 19, 1902), was an English historian, the only son of Sir Richard Dalberg-Acton, 7th Baronet, and grandson of the Neapolitan admiral, Sir John Acton, 6th Baronet. He was born at Naples.

7 Quotes

There are two things which cannot be attacked in front: ignorance and narrow-mindedness. They can only be shaken by the simple development of the contrary qualities. They will not bear discussion.

— Lord Acton

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

— Lord Acton

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

— Lord Acton

A wise person does at once, what a fool does at last. Both do the same thing; only at different times.

— Lord Acton

To be able to look back upon one's past life with satisfaction is to live twice.

— Lord Acton

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

— Lord Acton

The danger is not that a particular class is unfit to govern. Every class is unfit to govern.

— Lord Acton