Humboldt
Central figure, a renowned scientist and explorer chronicling his experiences and correspondences.
Core Belief
"Humboldt believes in the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world and the importance of empirical observation and scientific inquiry in understanding the universe. He also values intellectual freedom and the pursuit of knowledge above all else."
Worldview
Humboldt sees the world as a vast, complex system governed by natural laws, and he believes that humanity's role is to explore and understand these laws through scientific investigation. He is also deeply concerned with social justice and the advancement of human progress.
Personality
Humboldt is portrayed as an intellectual giant, deeply curious, dedicated to scientific truth, and possessing a wide-ranging intellect. He's also shown to be a loyal friend, capable of deep affection and concern for others, and fearless in expressing his opinions, even when they contradict prevailing views.
In Their Own Words
"Truth is due to those only whom we deeply esteem—to you therefore."
"Nature has put her curse upon stagnancy and inertia."
"I have the extravagant idea of describing in one and the same work the whole material world—all that we know to-day of celestial bodies and of life upon the earth—from the nebular stars to the mosses on the granite rocks—and to make this work instructive to the mind, and at the same time attractive, by its vivid language."
Discussions with Humboldt
Other Characters from Letters of Alexander von Humboldt to Varnhagen von Ense.: From 1827 to 1858. With extracts from Varnhagen's diaries, and letters of Varnhagen and others to Humboldt
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