I lay very little stress either upon asking or giving advice. Generally speaking, they who ask advice know what they wish to do, and remain firm to their intentions. A man may allow himself to be enlightened on various points, even upon matters of expediency and duty; but, after all, he must determine his course of action, for himself.
Wilhelm von HumboldtHowever 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 HumboldtThe State is not in itself an end, but is only a means towards human development.
Wilhelm von HumboldtAll situations in which the interrelationships between extremes are involved are the most interesting and instructive.
Wilhelm von Humboldt