Lord Acton Quote - Liberty Quotes Blog

"Freedom degenerates unless it has to struggle in its own defence."

by:	Lord Acton [John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton] (1834-1902), First Baron Acton of Aldenham
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Categories:	Freedom, Liberty, Politics, Proverbs, Virtue, Wisdom, Defense, Perseverance, Responsibility
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Reader comments about this quote:

It is a verity that comfort, in the absence of Virtue, is the nemesis of Freedom. -- Patrick Henry, Red Hill 3
A too sad observation of human nature with so many. The practicality and greed of being a helot, serf or slave is much easier than the personal responsibility of liberty, exercising inalienable rights and the struggle and defense of man's nobility. -- Mike, Norwalk 1
In defence of Liberty and Freedom from oppression and death, our Creator provides the whole body of evidence. In the face of adversity and temptation, so many fall short of the prize. Given 3 liberties and 13 attributes, to expound upon, in defence of the heavenly gift, few will open their mouth in the Gate. -- Ronw13, OR 1
-- jim k, Austin
While freedom may be inherited by those that have not labored for it, it must be maintained by the beneficiaries if it is to continue. The word "privilege" has become popular today, which perhaps attempts to bring attention to an unconscious entitlement to special treatment based upon race or sex. Without having to struggle for freedom, the 'entitled' struggle for a greater share of the treasury and special rules to favor them over their 'privileged' peers. They do not struggle for Freedom, they struggle for better conditions of their servitude. Freedom must ever defend itself — it is not a privilege, it is a responsibility. -- E Archer, NYC 2
Struggle and fight, we do! Always... -- Robert, Somewhere in the USA 1