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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 correspondent with that condition; and this it is precisely which he who is wise will endeavour to do. Only in this way is it possible to reproduce the new system in reality, just as it has been conceived in idea; and in every other method (setting aside the evils which arise from disturbing the natural order of human development) it is changed, modified, disfigured by the remaining influence of preceding systems, in the actual state of circumstances as well as in the minds of men. But if this obstacle be removed,-if the new condition of things which is resolved upon can succeed in working out its full influence, unimpeded by what was previously existing and by the circumstances of the present on which this has acted,-then must nothing further be allowed to stand in the way of the contemplated reform.

Wilhelm von Humboldt#19

SocietyChangeCharacterMindReformCultureIdeasSystems

About this quote

What does it mean?
To truly change society, work on minds and character rather than just imposing new systems.
In plain terms
Change people's minds first, not just the rules.
What can you take from it?
Change minds before systems.

Where it applies

  • activism
  • education
  • reform

Putting it to work

  • build cultural shifts
  • focus on education
  • work patiently

Questions to consider

  • How do ideas become reality?
  • Is culture change slower than policy?

Another view

Sometimes structural change must happen before minds change.

More from Wilhelm von Humboldt

  1. 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 revolut…

    Permalink to quote #18
  2. In order to bring about the transition from the condition of the present to another newly resolved on, every reform should be allowed to proceed as much as pos…

    Permalink to quote #20
  3. 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

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