The Invention of Nature - Alexander von Humboldt's Naturegemälde - Part 1

Explore the groundbreaking ideas of 19th-century explorer Alexander von Humboldt in this captivating podcast episode from the Santa Fe Institute's COMPLEXITY series. Delve into Humboldt's revolutionary concept of nature as an interconnected living network and his pioneering research that revealed global similarities in climates and creatures across different continents. Discover how Humboldt's work not only transformed our understanding of the natural world but also introduced innovative methods in scientific communication and collaboration. Learn about the intellectual milieu that shaped Humboldt's thinking, including influential figures like Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph von Schelling and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Examine the far-reaching impact of Humboldt's theories on various fields, from ecology to Transcendentalist philosophy, and how they exemplified a synthesis of art and science. Gain insights into Humboldt's approach to acknowledging indigenous knowledge and his preference for collaborative recognition over individual acclaim. This thought-provoking discussion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Humboldt's enduring legacy and its relevance to our modern understanding of complex systems and interdisciplinary research.

Andrea Wulf on The Invention of Nature, Part 1: Humboldt's Naturegemälde