"That respect which the child owes to his parents, and every man to those of higher intellectual power with whom he may come in contact, and which every well-regulated and well-disposed mind so readily pays, is much oftener founded upon an imaginary worth than upon a distinct and actual experience of its existence — upon a something, which may not perhaps have attained perfect development, but which shines forth in the carriage, gestures, and whole character."

Quote Details

Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Added on April 10, 2026
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English

Sources

. Letter I. 36 (p. 195)

https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Wilhelm_von_Humboldt