In 'The Limits of State Action', Wilhelm von Humboldt challenges the conventional role of government in individual lives, arguing for the primacy of personal freedom and self-development. He articulates a vision of a society where the state should limit its intervention, allowing individuals to flourish in their pursuits. Humboldt's philosophy emphasizes the importance of diverse experiences and the cultivation of individuality, inviting readers to rethink their views on authority and autonomy. With a blend of political philosophy and humanistic ideals, this work remains a profound exploration of the tension between freedom and governance. Dive in to discover how his insights resonate in today's debates about state overreach and personal liberty.
By Wilhelm von Humboldt
Published: 1993
""The true purpose of government is not to impose restrictions, but to create a space for individual growth and freedom, where the spirit can flourish without the constraints of unwarranted authority.""
Humboldt's work was originally published in German in 1852. J.W. Burrow's edition, with his translation and substantial introduction, was published in 1969 by Cambridge U. Press; and it is his edition which is here reprinted by Liberty Fund, Inc., 8335 Allison Pointe Trail #300, Indianapolis, IN 46250-1687. Humboldt's argument holds that individual self-development can flower to the maximum extent only when governmental activity is limited to providing security, that is, preventing harm to others. His work is compared with John Stuart Mill's On Liberty in a chart format. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
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“"The true purpose of government is not to impose restrictions, but to create a space for individual growth and freedom, where the spirit can flourish without the constraints of unwarranted authority."”
The Limits of State Action
By Wilhelm von Humboldt
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Wilhelm von Humboldt (1767-1835) was a distinguished German philosopher, linguist, and government functionary, best known for his revolutionary contributions to the study of language and education. A key figure in the establishment of modern linguistics, his notable works include 'On Language: On the Diversity of Human Language Construction and Its Influence on the Mental Development of Humanity' and 'The Limits of State Action.' Humboldt's writing style is characterized by its clarity, depth of thought, and an exploration of the intrinsic connections between language and culture, emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity in shaping human consciousness.
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