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

Alexander von Humboldt, often hailed as the father of modern environmentalism, is the focus of The Invention of Nature. Humboldt was a Prussian polymath, geographer, naturalist, and explorer whose comprehensive works on botanical geography laid the foundations for the field of biogeography. Born in 1769 in Berlin, Humboldt’s insatiable curiosity about the natural world and his rigorous scientific explorations enabled him to develop a holistic view of nature as an interconnected global force. This perspective was revolutionary in the early 19th century when scientific fields were becoming increasingly specialized.

Throughout his life, Humboldt embarked on extensive explorations, most notably his five-year expedition across the Americas, where he mapped vast uncharted areas and collected diverse plant species. His detailed observations led to the formulation of the concept of nature as a web of life, which influenced not only scientific disciplines but also environmental policies and conservation efforts. Humboldt’s approach was unique because he integrated scientific inquiry with a philosophical and artistic sensitivity, captured in his multi-volume Cosmos. Humboldt’s impact on the scientific community and beyond was immense.

Wulf’s portrayal of Humboldt resurrects his visionary work and underscores its relevance to modern environmental issues, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Humboldt’s legacy, as presented by Wulf, is not just in his scientific discoveries but in his approach to nature. His insistence on the universal connection and the intrinsic value of nature continues to inspire and drive contemporary environmental thought. In The Invention of Nature, Humboldt emerges not only as a key historical figure but also as a forward-thinking visionary whose interdisciplinary method of understanding the planet remains more relevant today than ever.

Charles Darwin, one of the most transformative figures in the history of science, is a pivotal character in The Invention of Nature. Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection—which he published in On the Origin of Species in 1859—altered the course of scientific thought by explaining the diversity of life through natural processes rather than divine intervention. Darwin’s work is deeply intertwined with the influence of Humboldt, whose writings Darwin encountered during his formative years. Wulf uses such famous figures as Darwin to convey her point that Humboldt was so influential and therefore evoke surprise that he has been forgotten in collective memory.

Darwin was inspired by Humboldt’s holistic approach to nature and his detailed descriptions of the flora, fauna, and geography of South America. It was Humboldt’s integration of detailed empirical data with broad, interconnected environmental observations that modeled for Darwin a way to engage with the natural world. Humboldt’s concept of nature as a web of life helped Darwin to conceptualize his own ideas about the interdependence of species and the competition and cooperation found within natural ecosystems. Furthermore, Darwin’s voyage on the HMS Beagle, which was inspired by his reading of Humboldt’s accounts, led to observations critical to his evolutionary theory. Thus, Humboldt’s influence is not just a footnote but a cornerstone in the development of Darwin’s evolutionary thought.

Moreover, Darwin’s application of Humboldt’s methods—combining meticulous observation with comprehensive synthesis across various disciplines—illustrates The Collaborative Nature of Intellectual Endeavors. Through Darwin, Humboldt’s vision of a deeply interconnected natural world found new expression and scientific substantiation, which continues to influence contemporary environmental thought and policy.

John Muir, often called “The Father of National Parks,” is another key figure in the biography. As an influential naturalist and conservationist, Muir’s life and work were shaped by the writings of Humboldt, whose holistic view of nature deeply resonated with him. Muir’s advocacy for the preservation of wilderness in the United States and his role in the creation of national parks are inextricably linked to Humboldt’s ideas on the interconnectedness of nature.

Muir’s journey, which led him from Scotland to the wilds of California, mirrors Humboldt’s travels and his commitment to exploring and preserving nature. Humboldt’s descriptions of the natural world not only influenced Muir’s early thoughts on nature but also shaped his environmental philosophy. Muir saw Humboldt as a kindred spirit, a precursor who melded science with a deep poetic appreciation of the natural world. This perspective is evident in Muir’s writings and activism, where he often echoed Humboldt’s view of nature as a unified whole.

In Wulf’s narrative, Muir emerges as a pivotal figure who translated Humboldt’s vision into a tangible and enduring legacy through the establishment of national parks like Yosemite. His efforts to safeguard these natural landscapes were motivated by the belief, first articulated by Humboldt, that the destruction of nature entails acute moral and ecological consequences. Wulf uses Muir’s story to highlight the practical applications of Humboldt’s environmental insights, showing how they laid the groundwork for the modern conservation movement. Through Muir, Wulf illustrates the continuing relevance of Humboldt’s ideas, demonstrating their influence not only on individual lives but also on broader societal attitudes toward nature and conservation.