The Limits of State Action
The Limits of State Action
Book Brief
Beta161
Book • Nonfiction
Germany • 1790s
•
Business & Economics•
Politics & Government1993
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Limits of State Action, Wilhelm von Humboldt explores the role of the state in individual lives, emphasizing personal freedom and self-development. The text argues for minimal government intervention, advocating that individuals thrive best when free to pursue their own paths within a framework of justice and security.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
The Limits of State Action by Wilhelm von Humboldt is celebrated for its insightful exploration of individual freedom versus state intervention. Reviewers commend its philosophical depth and historical significance. However, some criticize its complex language and dense prose, which may challenge modern readers. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking and influential work.
Who Should Read The Limits of State Action?
An ideal reader for Wilhelm von Humboldt's The Limits of State Action is intrigued by political philosophy and individual liberty. Similar to John Stuart Mill's On Liberty and Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America, it appeals to those exploring the balance between state power and personal freedom.
160 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Published posthumously in 1854, The Limits of State Action heavily influenced the development of classical liberal thought and was admired by prominent philosophers such as John Stuart Mill.
Wilhelm von Humboldt, the author of The Limits of State Action, was a pivotal figure in Prussian educational reforms and founded the University of Berlin, which later became a model for modern universities worldwide.
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Although written in the late 18th century, The Limits of State Action was largely ignored during Humboldt's lifetime and only gained significant attention when rediscovered in the mid-19th century.
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161
Book • Nonfiction
Germany • 1790s
•
Business & Economics•
Politics & Government1993
Adult
18+ years
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