Great men are almost always bad men.
Lord ActonRead
The issue which has swept down the centuries and which will have to be fought sooner or later is the people versus the banks.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the ongoing struggle between the interests of the general populace and the power of financial institutions.
Lord Acton's quote underscores a historical and continuing conflict where common people often find themselves at odds with powerful banking institutions. This struggle revolves around issues of economic justice, wealth distribution, and the influence of banks on society, suggesting that such conflicts are an inevitable part of human history that must ultimately be addressed.
Themes
EconomicsBanksSocietyPowerPeopleJustice
In practice
Example use cases
During a public speech about economic reforms, a speaker might use this quote to emphasize the importance of financial regulation.
More from Lord Acton
All quotes βSave 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.
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
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