16 Quotes & Sayings By Wilhelm Von Humboldt

Wilhelm von Humboldt was a German naturalist, geographer, politician, linguist, philosopher, and major figure in the sciences of his era. He was the founder of modern geographical science and was one of the key figures in the scientific revolution of the 18th century. He is best known for his work in botany, geography and zoology.

Faith can be interested in results only, for a truth...
1
Faith can be interested in results only, for a truth once recognized as such puts an end to the believer's thinking. Wilhelm Von Humboldt
Happiness is so nonsynonymous with joy or pleasure that it...
2
Happiness is so nonsynonymous with joy or pleasure that it is not infrequently sought and felt in grief and deprivation. Wilhelm Von Humboldt
All situations in which the interrelationships between extremes are involved...
3
All situations in which the interrelationships between extremes are involved are the most interesting and instructive. Wilhelm Von Humboldt
4
To judge a man means nothing other 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? Wilhelm Von Humboldt
5
All growth toward perfection is but a returning to original existence. Wilhelm Von Humboldt
6
Human nature must be something which always remains one and the same, but which may be carried out in manifold ways. Wilhelm Von Humboldt
7
For even if we know very little that is certain about spirit or soul, the true nature of the body, of materiality, is totally unknown and incomprehensible to us. Wilhelm Von Humboldt
8
If something possesses no capacity for activity whatever, it is nothing; it may be wholly penetrated, but it cannot be touched. Therefore passivity and reaction are everywhere equal. Wilhelm Von Humboldt
9
It is almost more important how a person takes his fate than what it is. Wilhelm Von Humboldt
10
Only what we have wrought into our character during life can we take away with us. Wilhelm Von Humboldt
11
When we ... devote ourselves to the strict and unsparing performance of duty ihen happiness comes of itself. Wilhelm Von Humboldt
12
When we ... devote ourselves to the strict and unsparing performance of duty then happiness comes of itself. Wilhelm Von Humboldt
13
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. Wilhelm Von Humboldt
14
True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body the two are ever united. Wilhelm Von Humboldt
15
Coercion may prevent many transgressions; but it robs even actions which are legal of a part of their beauty. Freedom may lead to many transgressions, but it lends even to vices a less ignoble form. Wilhelm Von Humboldt