Humboldt's Beginnings
- thecatandtheleaf
- Apr 12, 2017
- 2 min read
Often when we study the works of great men, we wonder how they started on their extraordinary paths, especially where they first came from. Is it a particular upbringing that forges the extraordinary? In addition, it is a convention in biographies to begin with the subjects childhood, so I was not surprised when we were introduced to his parents and childhood home.
I can't find the exact quote, but somewhere Wulf mentions how it was laudable for Homboldt to surrender a life of luxury for one of harsh adventuring. I had an issue with that implication, however, because opportunities related to his adventuring could only have come across his path because of his relative status in society. This includes growing up on a sprawling estate crawling with wildlife, getting a stellar education for the time, and being able to meet influential socialites of his age. Think about it; Columbus would not have been able to lead his expedition to the Americas if he had not been in a position to court the Queen for funds.
Nonetheless, Humboldt went through difficulties as a child and young man, which I have no doubt helped prepare him for the independence and endurance necessary for his later career. For one who is not entirely sure which ultimate career will be my calling, it is reassuring that it took even famous men (Darwin, Washington, and now Humboldt) a few trial and errors before they formed their niche.
It will be interesting to recognize when Humboldt's earlier endeavors come into play to help him on his travels. I bet mining, geology, finance, economics, Danish, Swedish, etc. will aide him when he might not expect it. I also enjoyed that even though he was thrust into a management position at such a young age, he crawled down into the depths of the mines with the rest of them, and after realizing the poor conditions, invented a new mask and low-oxygen lamp. Being able to relate to all sorts of people, and wanting to improve situations he comes across, will allow doors to open for him even when he is thousands of miles away from the donating socialites.
It was upsetting reading about Humboldt being so starved for discovery that he would perform electrical experiments on his own body. However, I think it set up Humboldt's character development for the outburst of discoveries he would make after being able to develop his skills. I look forward to learning more about how he first started his first big expedition. . .
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