Lord Acton Quote Archive

Daring to do what is right, not what fancy may tell you, valiantly grasping occasions, not cravenly doubting - freedom comes only through deeds, not through thoughts taking wing. Faint not nor fear, but go out to the storm and the action, trusting in God whose commandment you faithfully follow; freedom, exultant, will welcome your spirit with joy.

“Power always thinks it has a great Soul, and vast Views, beyond the Comprehension of the Weak, and that it is doing God’s Service, when it is violating all his Laws.” —John Adams1

Archaeology, tyranny – and rape

Any discussion of power would be incomplete without acknowledging Lord Acton's immortal law: Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. That unalterable rule applies both to God and man.