It is an absolutely vain endeavor to attempt to reconstruct or even comprehend the nature of a human being by simply knowing the forces which have acted upon him. However deeply we should like to penetrate, however close we seem… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share Image
I lay very little stress either upon asking or giving advice. Generally speaking, they who ask advice know what they wish to do, and remain firm to their intentions. A man may allow himself to be enlightened on various points,… — 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… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share Image
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
