Quotation by

Lord Acton

Machiavelli's teaching would hardly have stood the test of Parliamentary government, for public discussion demands at least the profession of good faith.

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Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Machiavelli's ideas were suited to a political system where rulers could act without openly committing to honesty, but in a parliamentary system, leaders must at least appear trustworthy to engage in public debate. This requirement for a show of sincerity makes Machiavelli's approach less effective in governments based on open discussion and accountability.

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All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired.
Before the throne of the Almighty, man will be judged not by his acts but by his intentions. For God alone reads our hearts.
That deep emotional conviction of the presence of a superior reasoning power, which is revealed in the incomprehensible universe, forms my idea of God.