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.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Historical revolutions often begin with shifts in human thinking rather than just external events.
- In plain terms
- Big changes start with changes in thinking.
- What can you take from it?
- Track mental shifts to understand history.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What mental shifts preceded recent changes?
- How do ideas change history?
Another view
External factors like economics also drive revolutions.
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 in which men find the…
Permalink to quote #17 Now, without directly altering the existing condition of things, it is possible to work upon the human mind and character, and give them a direction no more co…
Permalink to quote #19 Every development of truths which relate to human nature, and more especially its active manifestations, is attended with a wish to see worked out in practice …
Permalink to quote #16
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