The mere reality of life would be inconceivably poor without the charm of fancy, which brings in its bosom as many vain fears as idle hopes, but lends much oftener to the illusions it calls up a gay flattering hue than one which inspires terror.
Von Humboldt · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 514
Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.
The mere reality of life would be inconceivably poor without the charm of fancy, which brings in its bosom as many vain fears as idle hopes, but lends much oftener to the illusions it calls up a gay flattering hue than one which inspires terror.
Von Humboldt · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 514
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