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

— Lord John Dalberg-Acton in an 1861 letter, published in Lord Acton and His Circle, 1906

“There are two things which cannot be attacked in front: ignorance and narrow-mindedness.  They can only be shaken by the simple development of the contrary qualities.  They will not bear discussion.”

— Lord John Dalberg-Acton in an 1861 letter, published in Lord Acton and His Circle, 1906