John Dalberg-Acton

Date of Birth: January 10, 1834

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: June 19, 1902

Biography

John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton, was an English historian, politician, and writer, born on January 10, 1834, in Naples, Italy. Acton came from a prominent family with a history of public service and intellectual achievement. His early education took place in England, followed by studies at the University of Munich, where he was profoundly influenced by the historian Leopold von Ranke. Acton’s career was distinguished by a deep commitment to the principles of liberty and the importance of moral integrity in public life. He is best known for his extensive work on the history of liberty and his editorship of “The Cambridge Modern History,” a monumental multi-volume work. His famous dictum, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” reflects his belief in the dangers of unchecked authority. In addition to his academic pursuits, Acton was politically active, serving as a Member of Parliament and engaging in various intellectual societies. He was appointed to the House of Lords in 1869, becoming Baron Acton. His works, though often incomplete, left a lasting legacy in the fields of history and political philosophy.

5 Interesting Facts about John Dalberg-Acton

1. John Dalberg-Acton was a close friend and correspondent of British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone.

2. He never published a major historical work during his lifetime but left behind a vast collection of notes and essays.

3. Acton was a devout Roman Catholic and often wrote on the relationships between religion and liberty.

4. He was made a Knight of the Order of the Bath in 1869.

5. Acton was a professor of Modern History at the University of Cambridge from 1895 until his death.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Dalberg-Acton

1. “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

2. “Liberty is not the means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.”

3. “The strong man with the dagger is followed by the weaker man with the sponge.”

4. “Every thing secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity.”

5. “Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Dalberg-Acton’s net worth is not well-documented, but as a member of the British aristocracy and a baron, he would have had considerable wealth and assets during his lifetime.

Children

John Dalberg-Acton had six children with his wife, Countess Marie Anna Ludomilla Euphrosina von Arco auf Valley. Their children were: 1. Richard Lyon-Dalberg-Acton, 2nd Baron Acton 2. John Lyon-Dalberg-Acton 3. Charles Lyon-Dalberg-Acton 4. Elizabeth Mary Dalberg-Acton 5. Jeanne Marie Dalberg-Acton 6. Marie Immaculée Dalberg-Acton