The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt's New World

The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt’s New World (2015), authored by Andrea Wulf, is a biography of the Prussian naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt, whose ideas reshaped modern understanding of nature. This work falls within the genre of biographical nonfiction. Wulf, a seasoned historian and writer specializing in the history of science, illustrates why Humboldt’s revolutionary ecological concepts, formed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, are more important today than ever before. The book discusses The Birth of Ecological Thinking, Human Impact on the Natural World, The Role of Exploration in Advancing Scientific Knowledge, and The Collaborative Nature of Intellectual Endeavors.

This study guide refers to the 2015 Alfred A. Knopf Kindle e-book edition.

Content Warning: The source text and this guide discuss racism and enslavement.

Summary

The Prologue introduces Humboldt during a perilous ascent of Chimborazo, an inactive volcano in the Andes. This dramatic moment at 17,000 feet captures the essence of Humboldt’s scientific spirit and dedication to understanding nature, since he collects data amidst extreme conditions. This event sets the stage for Humboldt’s insights into the interconnectedness of nature, which significantly shaped modern environmental and geographical science.

Part I provides a foundational narrative for Humboldt’s contributions to natural science, tracing his journey from a constrained upbringing to the threshold of his transformative expedition to South America. Within an aristocratic Prussian family environment characterized by emotional detachment and rigid Enlightenment-influenced educational standards, Humboldt finds solace and purpose in nature, cultivating a lifelong passion for scientific inquiry. A pivotal encounter with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in the intellectual hubs of Jena and Weimar revitalizes Humboldt’s scientific curiosity. It introduces him to a holistic approach that integrates empirical observation with an appreciation for nature’s interconnectedness. Liberated by his mother’s passing, Humboldt meticulously prepares for his expedition, traversing Europe to accumulate knowledge, instruments, and crucial connections. Despite geopolitical complexities, his unwavering determination propels him toward South America.

Upon his arrival in South America, Humboldt embarks on a transformative journey that would redefine his understanding of nature and lay the groundwork for ecological science. Starting in Venezuela, Humboldt systematically records the intricate details of the region’s flora, fauna, and topography. His journey through the dense jungles, over the steaming llanos, and along the vast Orinoco River provides him with unprecedented insights into tropical ecology. Humboldt’s scientific methods coupled with his appreciation for the interconnectedness of nature begin to form his theories. The pinnacle of this part of his journey is his daring ascent of Chimborazo in Ecuador, where he attempts to reach the summit. Although he does not reach the top, his environmental observations at an unprecedented altitude offer insights into vegetation zones and climatic conditions, influencing his concept of nature as a web of life.

After his extensive explorations in the Americas, Humboldt returns to Europe, laden with data, specimens, and a new vision of nature. Choosing Paris as his base, he immerses himself in the bustling intellectual society, finding a stimulating environment for his scientific analyses and writings. Paris during this period is a hub of scientific advancement and debate, which aligns with Humboldt’s interdisciplinary approach to science. His interactions with other eminent scientists and thinkers help to refine his theories, leading to the publication of several influential works. However, seeking greater recognition and aiming to influence Prussian science, Humboldt moves to Berlin. Here, he faces a more conservative and less dynamic scientific environment, which frustrates him. Despite these challenges, Humboldt organizes a series of lectures that become immensely popular, spreading his ideas among the broader public and igniting interest in natural science across Germany. These lectures, along with his continued publications, solidify his role as a mentor to a new generation of scientists and thinkers, including figures such as Charles Darwin and Ernst Haeckel.

Wulf explores how Humboldt’s ideas continue to spread across Europe and begin to influence a broader range of disciplines. His theories of interconnectedness and his holistic approach to science inspire not only naturalists but also artists, writers, and politicians. Humboldt’s travels, including an expedition to Russia, provide further material for his treatises on nature. During this period, Humboldt begins work on his magnum opus, Cosmos, in which he attempts to encapsulate his entire understanding of the universe, from the smallest geological formations to the broadest astronomical phenomena. This work, ambitious in its scope and radical in its interdisciplinary approach, seeks to unite the disparate scientific discoveries of the age into a single coherent framework. Through Cosmos, Humboldt’s influence reaches its zenith, impacting various fields of study and encouraging a more integrated approach to understanding the world.

As Humboldt ages, his engagement with the world begins to change. The end of the biography details his reactions to the European revolutions of 1848, showcasing his liberal political beliefs and his support for democratic reforms. Despite his progressive stance, Humboldt is often conflicted, caught between his ideals and the conservative political climate of Prussia. Wulf uses this period of Humboldt’s life to reflect on the broader implications of Humboldt's work and the paradoxes he embodies. The epilogue addresses Humboldt’s fading legacy in the English-speaking world, attributed to the rise of specialized science and geopolitical shifts, including anti-German sentiment post-World War I. However, Wulf argues that Humboldt’s ideas about the interconnectedness of the world and the impact of human activity on the environment have never been more relevant, as evidenced by contemporary discussions of climate change and sustainability. Humboldt’s holistic view of science and nature continues to inspire environmentalists and scientists who advocate for a more integrated approach to global challenges.