“That celebrated traveller Humboldt was profoundly impressed with the scientific value of a combined effort to be made by the observers of all nations, to obtain accurate measurements of the magnetism of the earth; and we owe it mainly to his enthusiasm for science... that not only private men of science, but the governments of most of the civilised nations... were induced to take part in the enterprise.”
“Only what we have wrought into our character during life can we take away with us.”
Alexander von Humboldt
“Devoted from my earliest youth to the study of nature, feeling with enthusiasm the wild beauties of a country guarded by mountains and shaded by ancient forests, I experienced in my travels, enjoyment...”
Alexander von Humboldt
“One of the noblest characteristics which distinguish modern civilization from that of remoter times is, that it has enlarged the mass of our conceptions, rendered us more capable of perceiving the con...”
Alexander von Humboldt
“The expression of vanity and self-love becomes less offensive, when it retains something of simplicity and frankness.”
Alexander von Humboldt
“Our imagination is struck only by what is great; but the lover of natural philosophy should reflect equally on little things.”
Alexander von Humboldt
