“One of the noblest characteristics which distinguish modern civilization from that of remoter times is, that it has enlarged the mass of our conceptions, rendered us more capable of perceiving the connection between the physical and intellectual world, and thrown a more general interest over objects which heretofore occupied only a few scientific men, because those objects were contemplated separately, and from a narrower point of view.”
“Only what we have wrought into our character during life can we take away with us.”
Alexander von Humboldt
“Devoted from my earliest youth to the study of nature, feeling with enthusiasm the wild beauties of a country guarded by mountains and shaded by ancient forests, I experienced in my travels, enjoyment...”
Alexander von Humboldt
“The expression of vanity and self-love becomes less offensive, when it retains something of simplicity and frankness.”
Alexander von Humboldt
“Our imagination is struck only by what is great; but the lover of natural philosophy should reflect equally on little things.”
Alexander von Humboldt
“In order to ameliorate without commotion new institutions must be made, as it were, to rise out of those which the barbarism of centuries has consecrated. It will one day seem incredible that until th...”
Alexander von Humboldt
