One must not consider a language as a product dead, and formed but once; it is an animate being, and ever creative. Human thought elaborates itself with the progress of intelligence; and of this thought language is a manifestation. An… — 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
In every remodelling of the present, the existing condition of things must be supplanted by a new one. Now every variety of circumstances in… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share
“For even if we know very little that is certain about spirit or soul, the true nature of the body, of materiality, is totally… — Wilhelm Von Humboldt Copy Share
Prayer is intended to increase the devotion of the individual, but if the individual himself prays he requires no formula; he pours himself forth… — Wilhelm von Humboldt Copy Share
