Wilhelm von Humboldt Quotes
Friedrich Wilhelm Christian Karl Ferdinand von Humboldt was a Prussian philosopher, linguist, and statesman, founder of the modern research university and of the modern philosophy of language. As Minister of Education he reformed the Prussian school system and founded the University of Berlin, which became the model for modern research universities worldwide. The quotes below are attributed to Wilhelm von Humboldt, organized by topic.
Wilhelm von Humboldt on Freedom
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Attributed to Wilhelm von Humboldt:
“Without freedom no genuine cultivation is possible.”
Wilhelm von Humboldt on Mind
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Attributed to Wilhelm von Humboldt:
“Language is the formative organ of thought.”
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Attributed to Wilhelm von Humboldt:
“The diversity of languages corresponds to a diversity of worldviews.”
Wilhelm von Humboldt on Politics
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Attributed to Wilhelm von Humboldt:
“The state should restrict itself to the security of person and property.”
Wilhelm von Humboldt on Virtue
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Attributed to Wilhelm von Humboldt:
“The true end of man is the highest and most harmonious development of his powers to a complete and consistent whole.”