He frankly recognised Herder's superiority to himself in knowledge and experience, but he retained his mental independence.

In his letters to Herder, as in those to Salzmann, he writes in terms of equality.

In such words as the following, for example, we have not the attitude of the unquestioning disciple to his master.

"Pray let us try to see each other oftener.

You feel how you would embrace one who could be to you what you are to me.