Save for the wild force of Nature, nothing moves in this world that is not Greek in its origin.
Lord ActonRead
Great men are almost always bad men.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that many influential figures exhibit morally questionable qualities.
Lord Acton's quote highlights the idea that those who hold great power often engage in unethical behavior, implying that the pursuit of greatness may lead individuals to compromise their morals. It serves as a cautionary observation on the nature of power and the potential for corruption that accompanies it, suggesting that society should critically assess its heroes and not idealize them blindly.
Themes
PowerCorruptionMoralityGreatnessEthics
In practice
Example use cases
Referencing this quote in a discussion about historical leaders and their legacies.
More from Lord Acton
All quotes →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.
Lord ActonRead
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
To develop and perfect and arm conscience is the great achievement of history.
Lord ActonRead
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