The Invention of Nature

In "The Invention of Nature," Andrea Wulf unveils the extraordinary life and legacy of Alexander von Humboldt, a visionary scientist who revolutionized our understanding of the natural world. Born in 18th-century Prussia, Humboldt's insatiable curiosity and groundbreaking expeditions across the globe laid the foundation for modern environmentalism and interconnected scientific thought. Wulf masterfully weaves together Humboldt's adventures, discoveries, and influential relationships with luminaries like Goethe and Jefferson, painting a vivid portrait of a man whose ideas continue to shape our perception of nature today. This captivating biography not only resurrects Humboldt's forgotten brilliance but also reminds us of the profound impact one individual can have on the course of scientific understanding and environmental consciousness.

Play