Citizens Quote by Wilhelm von Humboldt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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