“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.”
“Every thing secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity.”
“The immediate purpose with which the Italians and Germans effected the great change in European constitution was unity, not liberty. They constructed, not securities, but forces. Machiavelli's hour had come.”
“History is not a web woven with innocent hands. Among all the causes which degrade and demoralize men, power is the most constant and the most active.”
“Authority that does not exist for Liberty is not authority but force.”
“Liberty is the prevention of control by others. This requires self-control and, therefore, religious and spiritual influences; education, knowledge, well-being.”
Quotes via Wikiquote (CC BY-SA), each with its original source.
Not who you're looking for? Others named John Acton: Canon lawyer