The more a man acts on his own, the more he develops himself. In large associations he is too prone to become merely an instrument. Wilhelm von Humboldt More Quotes by Wilhelm von Humboldt More Quotes From Wilhelm von Humboldt 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. Wilhelm von Humboldt design eye two Happiness is so nonsynonymous with joy or pleasure that it is not infrequently sought and felt in grief and deprivation. Wilhelm von Humboldt pleasure grief joy Man is naturally more disposed to beneficent than selfish actions. This we learn even from the history of savages. The domestic virtues have something in them so inviting and genial, and the public virtues of the citizen something so grand and inspiring, that even he who is barely uncorrupted, is seldom able to resist their charm. Wilhelm von Humboldt savages selfish men 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 themselves, every object which surrounds them, communicates a definite form and impress to their internal nature. This form is not such that it can change and adapt itself to any other a man may choose to receive; and the end is foiled, while the power is destroyed, when we attempt to impose upon that which is already stamped in the soul a form which disagrees with it. Wilhelm von Humboldt soul may men One must not consider a language as a product dead, and formed but once; it is an animate being, and ever creative. Human thought elaborates itself with the progress of intelligence; and of this thought language is a manifestation. An idiom cannot therefore remain stationary; it walks, it develops, it grows up, it fortifies itself, it becomes old, and it reaches decrepitude. Wilhelm von Humboldt progress growing-up creative Real inward devotion knows no prayer but that arising from the depths of its own feelings. Wilhelm von Humboldt real prayer feelings No matter how good or great a man may be, there is yet a better and a greater man within him. Wilhelm von Humboldt matter may men Women are in this respect more fortunate than men, that most of their employments are of such a nature that they can at the same time be thinking of quite different things. Wilhelm von Humboldt different men thinking Map reconciles himself to almost any event, however trying, if it happens in the ordinary course of nature. It is the extraordinary alone that he rebels against. There is a moral idea associated with this feeling; for the extraordinary appears to be something like an injustice of heaven. Wilhelm von Humboldt feelings heaven ideas The inquiry into the proper aims and limits of State agency must be of the highest importance nay, that it is perhaps more vitally momentous than any other political question. Wilhelm von Humboldt inquiry agency political It is continued temperance which sustains the body for the longest period of time, and which most surely preserves it free from sickness. Wilhelm von Humboldt sickness body time 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. Wilhelm von Humboldt wife husband father It is resignation and contentment that are best calculated to lead us safely through life. Whoever has not sufficient power to endure privations, and even suffering, can never feel that he is armor proof against painful emotions,--nay, he must attribute to himself, or at least to the morbid sensitiveness of his nature, every disagreeable feeling he may suffer. Wilhelm von Humboldt contentment suffering feelings True resignation, which always brings with it the confidence that unchangeable goodness will make even the disappointment of our hopes, and the contradictions of life, conducive to some benefit, casts a grave but tranquil light over the prospect of even a toilsome and troubled life. Wilhelm von Humboldt benefits light disappointment The sea has been called deceitful and treacherous, but there lies in this trait only the character of a great natural power, which, to speak according to our own feelings, renews its strength, and, without reference to joy or sorrow, follows eternal laws which are imposed by a higher Power. Wilhelm von Humboldt sea character lying The sensual and spiritual are linked together by a mysterious bond, sensed by our emotions, though hidden from our eyes. To this double nature of the visible and invisible world - to the profound longing for the latter, coupled with the feeling of the sweet necessity for the former, we owe all sound and logical systems of philosophy, truly based on the immutable principles of our nature, just as from the same source arise the most senseless enthusiasms. Wilhelm von Humboldt nature spiritual sweet Prayer is intended to increase the devotion of the individual, but if the individual himself prays he requires no formula; he pours himself forth much more naturally in self-chosen and connected thoughts before God, and scarcely requires words at all. Real inward devotion knows no prayer but that arising from the depths of its own feelings. Wilhelm von Humboldt real self prayer 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 sleep of the guilty! Wilhelm von Humboldt sleep beautiful children The mere reality of life would be inconceivably poor without the charm of fancy, which brings in its bosom, no doubt, as many vain fears as idle hopes, but lends much oftener to the illusions it calls up a gay flattering hue than one which inspires terror. Wilhelm von Humboldt gay inspire reality Language is the spiritual exhalation of the nation. Wilhelm von Humboldt nations language spiritual
