The importance of Wilhelm von Humboldt's work in educational philosophy is little known outside of Germany and even there he is more often criticized than praised. This is unfortunate because his contributions to education and other areas had an important impact on other philosophers of his period and are well worth considering today. In his main work, "Ideen zu einem Versuch die Grenzen der Wirksamkeit des Staates zu bestimmen," Humboldt envisages education extending throughout an individual's life. Education would not be limited to the wealthy but would be available to all. The reform of the individual would then bring about the reform of the state by peaceful means. In these ideas and others, Humboldt was strongly influenced by Hellenistic ideals as well as the philosophers of the Enlightenment. Education was seen as a process of developing individual consciousness and one which should not be contaminated by becoming the instrument of such forces as the economy, the government, or even the universities. Although Humboldt's ideas were not successfully implemented, the issues he raised about the importance of education and the role of educational institutions remain with us. (IS)