John Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton
The Lord Acton | |
|---|---|
| Member of Parliament | |
| In office 25 July 1865 – 1866 Serving with John Pritchard | |
| Preceded by | Henry Whitmore |
| Succeeded by | Henry Whitmore |
| Constituency | Bridgnorth |
| In office 19 May 1859 – 25 July 1865 | |
| Preceded by | John Alexander |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Stock |
| Constituency | Carlow |
| Personal details | |
| Born | John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton 10 January 1834 |
| Died | 19 June 1902 (aged 68) |
| Party | Liberal |
| Spouse |
Countess Marie von Arco auf Valley
(m. 1865) |
| Relations |
|
| Children | 6, including Richard |
| Parent | |
| Education | Oscott College |
| Alma mater | LMU Munich |
| Occupation |
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John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton, 13th Marquess of Groppoli, KCVO DL (10 January 1834 – 19 June 1902), better known as Lord Acton, was an English Catholic historian, Liberal politician, and writer. A strong advocate for individual liberty, Acton is best known for his observation on the dangers of concentrated authority. In an 1887 letter to an Anglican bishop, he famously wrote, 'Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely', underscoring his belief that unchecked power poses the greatest threat to human freedom. His works consistently emphasised the importance of limiting governmental and institutional power in favour of individual rights and personal liberty.