Quotes from Wilhelm von Humboldt

If the mind loves solitude, it has thereby acquired a loftier character, and it becomes still more noble when the taste is indulged in.

Faith can be interested in results only, for a truth once recognized as such puts an end to the believer's thinking.

It is almost more important how a person takes his fate than what it is.

Only what we have wrought into our character during life can we take away with us.

When we ... devote ourselves to the strict and unsparing performance of duty, then happiness comes of itself.

War seems to be one of the most salutary phenomena for the culture of human nature; and it is not without regret that I see it disappearing more and more from the scene.

Governmental regulations all carry coercion to some degree, and even where they don't, they habituate man to expect teaching, guidance and help outside himself, instead of formulating his own.

To judge a man means nothing more than to ask: What content does he give to the form of humanity? What concept should we have of humanity if he were its only representative?

Providence certainly does not favor just certain individuals, but the deep wisdom of its counsel, instruction and ennoblement extends to all.

Among men who are really free, every form of industry becomes more rapidly improved - all the arts flourish more gracefully - all the sciences extend their range.

The finest fruit earth holds up to its Maker is a finished man.

True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united.

Life, in all ranks and situations, is an outward occupation, an actual and active work.

Language makes infinite use of finite media.

It is almost more important how a person takes his fate than what it is. And the best way is with gratitude while trying to improve it for the good of others and themselves.

However great an evil immorality may be, we must not forget that it is not without its beneficial consequences. It is only through extremes that men can arrive at the middle path of wisdom and virtue.

The legislator should keep two things constantly before his eyes: 1. The pure theory developed to its minutest details; 2. The particular condition of actual things which he designs to reform.

Wherever the citizen becomes indifferent to his fellows, so will the husband be to his wife, and the father of a family toward the members of his household.