Portrait of Wilhelm von Humboldt

Wilhelm von Humboldt

1767 – 1835

Wilhelm von Humboldt (1767-1835) was described by Friedrich Hayek as “Germany’s greatest philosopher of freedom.” Humboldt wrote a path-breaking defense of the minimal state which had a profound influence on John Stuart Mill. Humboldt later became Director of the Section for Public Worship and Education, in the Ministry of Interior. In this capacity, he directed the reorganization of the Prussian public education system, and, in particular, founded the University of Berlin.

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See the Liberty Matters online discussion on Humboldt’s State – and Ours

Humboldt featured as the June 2023 OLL Birthday. Read it here

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