Humboldt, un democratico sotto mentite spoglie

This essay reconstructs Wilhelm von Humboldt’s political thought also in light of Nicola Matteucci’s interpretation of liberalism, highlighting its originality in relation to traditional liberalism. Although recognized as a classical liberal thinker, Humboldt is interpreted as an “ethical liberal” and even as an authentic democrat, according to Hannah Arendt’s insight. Central to his thought is the defense of individual freedom, which is nevertheless inseparable from the social and relational dimension of human existence. The State should limit itself to guaranteeing security and the conditions of autonomy. Ultimately, Humboldt advances an anti-paternalistic, pluralistic, and deeply anti-authoritarian concep-tion of the political community.