SOURCE: Sweet, Paul R. “Wilhelm von Humboldt (1967-1835): His Legacy to the Historian.” Centennial Review 15, no. 1 (winter 1971): 23-37.

In the following essay, Sweet offers an account of Humboldt's achievements in linguistic theory and education, focusing particularly on his ideas about history.

I

As a mature man with substantial claims to distinction as statesman, man of letters and accomplished scholar in several fields, Wilhelm von Humboldt reportedly let it be known that he wished to be identified simply as “Baron Humboldt, brother of the famous explorer.” This not entirely characteristic modesty expressed a resigned attitude about his public reputation which time has tended to validate. For Alexander von Humboldt, scientist, explorer and younger brother by two years, is still the more famous name. The educated public, at least outside Germany, is likely to think of Wilhelm, if it recalls his name at all, as “the other Humboldt.” Yet in...