which overthrew the many varieties of despotism. He wel-
comes the men and the doctrines that established the prin-
ciples and the institutions of the triumphant liberal and
representative states. But he sees also that if any single, un-
tempered idea, should attain the exclusive dominion over the
mind of man, however good it were, the power needed to
establish its victory and cement its reign -- thus Equality, or
Democracy, or Nationality -- must limit and debase Liberty.
Though he did not quote Montesquieu, their minds move
together: "Virtue itself hath need of limits," for freedom
and tranquillity lie in self-restraint. To demand all is to
lose all by very excess.

Yet, though these are indispensable truths, they ought not
to obscure the equally indispensable truth that Power is
beneficent. Pascal spoke concerning this, once and for all:
"Without Power, justice is unavailing." For the kingdom
of politics is of this world. And Power, as the biographies of
so many statesmen reveal (for example, that of Sir Thomas
More), heightens sensitiveness, stimulates the imagination of
purposes and expedients, generates invention, develops com-
passion when it places men where they confront the sorrows
which government exists to assuage and the trials which must
be visited on some in order that others may have a more
abundant life; and power develops humility and fortitude.
These are precious qualities in the service of mankind, and
inseverable from power. Together they will one day enable
humanity to progress, as Acton recommended, from nation-
alism to an embracing state that shall include the whole
world.

The study of Acton in this volume, in a sympathetic and
alert spirit, cannot fail to multiply the number of truly
democratic citizens, or to enhance their abilities and their
acknowledgment of obligation to their fellow men.

HERMAN FINER

The University of Chicago
April, 1948

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