Great men are almost always bad men.
Lord ActonRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Majority oppression is far more dangerous than minority oppression due to the overwhelming power of the masses.
This quote by Lord Acton highlights the dangers of majority oppression, arguing that while oppression from a minority is unjust, the sheer force of will and influence that the majority holds creates a more dangerous situation. It suggests that when the masses unite, their latent power can be overwhelming, leaving individuals with no options for resistance except through betrayal or extreme measures, emphasizing the peril of unchallenged authority.
Themes
OppressionMajorityMinorityPowerAuthorityDemocracy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about civil rights, this quote could illustrate the importance of protecting minority voices against majority rule.
More from Lord Acton
All quotes →Save for the wild force of Nature, nothing moves in this world that is not Greek in its origin.
Lord ActonRead
Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Lord ActonRead
Liberty and good government do not exclude each other; and there are excellent reasons why they should go together. Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.
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Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end...liberty is the only object which benefits all alike, and provokes no sincere opposition...The danger is not that a particular class is unfit to govern. ~ Every class is unfit to govern ... Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.
Lord ActonRead
Limitation is essential to authority. A government is legitimate only if it is effectively limited.
Lord ActonRead
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