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. -Lord Acton

 

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.


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This quote is just one of 14 total Lord Acton quotes in our collection. Lord Acton is known for saying '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.' as well as some of the following quotes.

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

Lord Acton
285

Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.

Lord Acton
240
The man who prefers his country before any other duty shows the same spirit as the man who surrenders every right to the state. They both deny that right is superior to authority. -Lord Acton
226

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

Lord Acton
217

Learn as much by writing as by reading.

Lord Acton
210
There is no worse heresy than that the office sanctifies the holder of it. -Lord Acton
205

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

Lord Acton
177