Humboldt. Does that name sound familiar? Well, there’s the Humboldt Current off Ecuador, the Humboldt penguin, mountain peaks, rivers, streets (even in Providence), parks, bridges and schools with that name. In his time, Humboldt was known for his studies of nature and the environment. He spent most of his life exploring South America, kept journals as he traveled, and collected thousands of samples of plants, insects and animals. But, unlike the specialist modern scientists of today, Humboldt viewed nature holistically, recognizing in his journals and books the inter-connectivity of all living things. He was the first person to hypothesize that human activity could affect climate. He influenced Darwin, John Muir, Thoreau, Wordsworth, and others.

We’ll examine the life of Alexander von Humboldt through his adventures and discoveries, and maybe answer the question of why he has been largely forgotten.

Format: Class members will read the biography of Humboldt, watch an interesting YouTube documentary about him, and read selections from his books. Participants will make presentations or lead discussions on particular aspects of Humboldt’s life, adventures, travels and/or discoveries.

Resources/Expenses: The Invention of Nature, Alexander von Humboldt’s New World by Andrea Wolf is available (used) online for $3.00 and up in paperback.