Active Quote by Wilhelm von Humboldt
“All political arrangements, in that they have to bring a variety of widely-discordant interests into unity and harmony, necessarily occasion manifold collisions. From these collisions spring misproportions between men's desires and their powers; and from these, transgressions. The more active the State is, the greater is the number of these.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Political Theory, 1795
State actions unite conflicting interests, causing inevitable clashes and power‑desire mismatches.
In simple terms: State involvement creates tension between desires and power.
Key Takeaway
Balance state role.
Themes
politics
conflict
state power
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- governance
- social movements
- public administration
Key Concepts
social contract
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a state manage diverse interests without overreach?
- What mechanisms reduce power‑desire gaps?
A Different Perspective
Too much state control may stifle individual freedom.
