Wilhelm von Humboldt

1767–1835

Nationality: German

Historical Period: The 19th Century

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.

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

Quotes from Wilhelm von Humboldt:

• Wilhelm von Humboldt argued that freedom was the “Grand and Indispensable Condition” for individual flourishing

Titles from Wilhelm von Humboldt:

• Author: BOLL 47: Wilhelm von Humboldt, “Of the Individual Man” (1792)
• Author: Ideen zu einem Versuch, die Gränzen der Wirksamkeit des Staates zu bestimmen
• Author: The Sphere and Duties of Government (1792, 1854)