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Quote#Freedom

According to the prevailing doctrine, which derives power from the…

Quote byJohn Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton · 1834–1902

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Roman Question. The Rambler (Jan, 1860) Vol. II, New Series, Part V, pp. 146-147. † Footnote: Nearly the earliest and clearest exponent of this doctrine is Spinoza, who says... "It is utterly inconceivable that each subject should be allowed by the constitution of the state to live according to .

English (original)

According to the prevailing doctrine, which derives power from the people, and deposits it ultimately in their hands, the state is omnipotent over the individual, whose only remnant of freedom is then the participation in the exercise of supreme power; while the general will is binding on him.† Christian liberty is lost where this system prevails

— John Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton

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