Possession, it is true, crowns exertion with rest; but it is only in the illusions of fancy that it has power to charm us.
Wilhelm Von HumboldtRead
Man is more disposed to domination than freedom; and a structure of dominion not only gladdens the eye of the master who rears and protects it, but even its servants are uplifted by the thought that they are members of a whole, which rises high above the life and strength of single generations.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the human tendency to seek power and belonging in hierarchical structures.
Wilhelm Von Humboldt's quote suggests that humanity has a natural inclination towards seeking dominance and establishing systems of control. This not only satisfies those in power but also provides a sense of purpose and elevation to those who serve within those structures, as they believe they are part of something greater that transcends individual lives and contributions.
Themes
DominationFreedomPowerSocietyBelonging
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on the implications of power in society, this quote can highlight the paradox of authority.
More from Wilhelm Von Humboldt
All quotes →Only what we have wrought into our character during life can we take with us.
Wilhelm Von HumboldtRead
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 HumboldtRead
Joy mingled with sadness, even with grief, is the deepest human joy. It winds itself about the soul with indescribable sweetness, with a dim but unerring sense for what will some day be born of it.
Wilhelm Von HumboldtRead
All situations in which the interrelationships between extremes are involved are the most interesting and instructive.
Wilhelm Von HumboldtRead
It is an absolutely vain endeavor to attempt to reconstruct or even comprehend the nature of a human being by simply knowing the forces which have acted upon him. However deeply we should like to penetrate, however close we seem to be drawing to truth, one unknown quantity eludes us: man's primordial energy, his original self, that personality which was given him with the gift of life itself. On it rests man's true freedom; it alone determines his real character.
Wilhelm Von HumboldtRead
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