In every remodelling of the present, the existing condition of things must be supplanted by a new one. Now every variety of circumstances in which men find themselves, every object which surrounds them, communicates a definite form and impress to their internal nature. This form is not such that it can change and adapt itself to any other a man… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share
Reason cannot desire for man any condition other than that in which not only every individual enjoys the most absolute, unbounded freedom to develop himself out of himself, in true individuality, but in which physical nature, as well, need receive no other shaping by human hands than that which is given to her voluntarily by each individual, according to the… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share
The legislator should keep two things constantly before his eyes: 1. The pure theory developed to its minutest details; 2. The particular… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share Image
The things of the world are ever rising and falling, and in perpetual change; and this change must be according to the will of God, as He has bestowed upon man neither the wisdom nor the power to enable him to check it. The great lesson in these things is, that man must strengthen himself doubly at such times to… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share
Whatever does not spring from a man's free choice, or is only the result of instruction and guidance, does not enter into his very… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share Image
However great an evil immorality may be, we must not forget that it is not without its beneficial consequences. It is only through extremes… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share Image
To behold, is not necessary to observe, and the power of comparing and combining is only to be obtained by education. It is much… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share Image
The mere reality of life would be inconceivably poor without the charm of fancy, which brings in its bosom, no doubt, as many vain… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share Image
We cannot assume the injustice of any actions which only create offense, and especially as regards religion and morals. He who utters or does… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share Image
If it were not somewhat fanciful to suppose that every human excellence is presented, as it were, in one kind of being, we might… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share Image
If we reason that we want happiness for others, not for ourselves, then we ought justly to be suspected of failing to recognize human… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share Image
Besides the pleasure derived from acquired knowledge, there lurks in the mind of man, and tinged with a shade of sadness, an unsatisfactory longing… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share Image
Even sleep is characteristic. How beautiful are children in their lovely innocence! how angel-like their blooming features! and how painful and anxious is the… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share Image
To inquire and to create; these are the grand centres around which all human pursuits revolve, or at least to these objects do they… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share Image
Women are in this respect more fortunate than men, that most of their employments are of such a nature that they can at the… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share Image
