Man is naturally more disposed to beneficent than selfish actions. This we learn even from the history of savages. The domestic virtues have something in them so inviting and genial, and the public virtues of the citizen something so grand… — 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
