Title: „Alexander von Humboldt: A Man Married to Science“
Andrea Wulf, a book author and cultural historian, shared insights about Alexander von Humboldt’s impact on the concept of nature at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg. Wulf, who was born in India, raised in Germany, and currently lives in England, has written for publications such as „The Guardian,“ „The Sunday Times,“ and the „Wall Street Journal,“ with books covering topics like garden art, 18th-century astronomy, and Humboldt himself.
In a conversation with APA-Science, Wulf explained how her interest in Humboldt grew over time. She discovered his multifaceted contributions to various disciplines while researching the attitudes of America’s founding fathers towards nature. Despite initially writing a lengthy chapter on Humboldt’s meeting with President Thomas Jefferson, which did not fit the original project, Wulf decided to dedicate an entire book to exploring Humboldt’s life and work.
When asked about the source of her knowledge about Humboldt, Wulf highlighted the vast collection of 50,000 letters and nearly 50 books written by the scientist himself. She emphasized the importance of studying Humboldt’s original manuscripts to understand his interconnected and non-linear thinking process, which mirrored his holistic view of nature as a cohesive system.
Wulf elaborated on Humboldt’s groundbreaking observations during his expeditions, such as his ascent of the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador, where he noted changes in vegetation zones along the altitude gradient. Humboldt’s meticulous data collection and analysis led him to pioneer the concept of global climate and vegetation zones, recognizing the intricate connections between various environmental factors.
Reflecting on Humboldt’s relentless dedication to his work, Wulf described him as a man married to his scientific pursuits. Humboldt’s tireless commitment to research, coupled with his financial investments in expeditions and collaborations with artists and cartographers, underscored his unwavering passion for advancing knowledge and exploration.
Despite facing challenges like wars and political upheavals in Europe, Humboldt navigated diplomatic waters to safeguard his scientific endeavors. His ability to transcend national boundaries and engage with a diverse network of scholars and artists contributed to his global reputation as a trailblazing scientist and explorer.
Wulf emphasized Humboldt’s ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a broad audience, engaging both commoners and nobility through his poetic descriptions of nature. By bridging the gap between art and science, Humboldt left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire interdisciplinary collaborations in the modern world.
The upcoming lecture by Andrea Wulf at ISTA promises to delve deeper into Humboldt’s legacy, showcasing historical sketches, engravings, and manuscripts that offer a glimpse into the life and work of this visionary scientist. For those interested in exploring the intersection of art, science, and nature through the lens of Alexander von Humboldt, this event is not to be missed.
Jochen Stadler conducted the interview with Andrea Wulf on behalf of APA-Science, shedding light on the enduring influence of Humboldt’s pioneering spirit in the realm of scientific exploration. For more information and registration for Wulf’s lecture at ISTA, visit the official website.