HUMBOLDT’S VISIONARY THOUGHT ABOUT THE NATURAL WORLD (IN-PERSON)

The brilliant Alexander von Humboldt was the first to envision nature as a web of life and to see the world as an interconnected unified whole. Over two centuries ago, he predicted that deforestation and industrialization would have harmful effects on our environment. These important insights were gleaned from Humboldt’s life as a daring adventurer who traversed the globe. His ideas inspired scientists and naturalists such as Darwin, Muir, and Thoreau, as well as revolutionary leaders and plantation owners such as Jefferson and Madison. Author Andrea Wulf paints biographical and intellectual portraits of Humboldt and these significant figures. 

This course is offered with the generous support of the Association for Continuing Education.