Quote #18
If we glance at the most important revolutions in history, we are at no loss to perceive that the greatest number of these originated in the periodical revolutions of the human mind.
More from Wilhelm von Humboldt
- In every remodelling of the present, the existing condition of things must be supplanted by a new one. Now every variety of circumstances i…
- Now, without directly altering the existing condition of things, it is possible to work upon the human mind and character, and give them a …
- Every development of truths which relate to human nature, and more especially its active manifestations, is attended with a wish to see wor…
- In order to bring about the transition from the condition of the present to another newly resolved on, every reform should be allowed to pr…
- All political arrangements, in that they have to bring a variety of widely-discordant interests into unity and harmony, necessarily occasio…
- The incapacity for freedom can only arise from a want of moral and intellectual power; to elevate this power is the only way to counteract …
- Freedom exalts power; and, as is always the collateral effect of increasing strength, tends to induce a spirit of liberality. Coercion stif…
- The legislator should keep two things constantly before his eyes:-1. The pure theory developed to its minutest details; 2. The particular c…