Alexander von Humboldt Quotes – 20 Inspirational Sayings of the German Naturalist

Looking for inspirational Alexander von Humboldt quotes? Then you are absolutely right here! The polymath and indefatigable naturalist had a major impact on our understanding of nature - and still does today. His insights and wisdom are, in my opinion, extremely valuable for an environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyle in our society.

In this article, I would like to give you an overview of the best quotes by Alexander Humboldt. Let's go!

My please: Keep in mind that many of Humboldt's quotes have been translated. I cannot guarantee that it is the original quote in each case. Therefore, double check them and feel free to leave a corrective comment. If you like and share any of the quotes in the internet, please link this elaborately created collection. Thank you for your support!

20 Wisdoms And Quotes From Alexander Von Humboldt

Humboldt quickly realized that nature is a connected, living whole. He saw that we humans, like all other living creatures, are also only a part of this whole are.

But at present we humans behave rather as if we were superior to nature. The following, short quotes therefore also serve to develop a greater awareness of our responsibility on this planet. Have fun!

Alexander Von Humboldt Quotes 1 - 10

1. "Nature must be experienced through feeling."
2. "The most dangerous worldview is the view of those who have never looked at the world."
3. "You have to wait for the future and enjoy or endure the present."
4. "Every law of nature that reveals itself to the observer suggests a higher, still unrecognized."
5. "It is not enough to complain; one has to work at remedying the complaints."
6. "It is as useless as it is foolish not to give himself calmly and quietly to the unchangeable."
7. "I gratefully enjoy everything that comes from outside, but I'm not attached to anything."
8. "Cruelty to animals is one of the most significant vices of a low and ignoble people. Wherever one notices them, they constitute a sign of ignorance and brutality which cannot be painted over even by all the evidence of wealth and luxury."
9. "With the knowledge comes the thinking."
10. "Everywhere an earlier suspection precedes later knowledge."

Tip: Do you want your Improve general knowledge? In the linked post you'll learn how to do it almost casually!

Alexander Von Humboldt Quotes 11 - 20

11. "At the end of the course, how little is asked for what we experienced, and how infinitely much for what came out of it."
12. "Surrender and frugality above all, are what lead safely through life."
13. "Everyone must have the courage of conviction."
14. "When you hear him teach history, you wish you were Adam when history was still very short."
15. "Even the desert revives as soon as one encounters the traces of the hardworking hand of man."
16. "Have awe for the tree it is one big wonder, that was sacred to your ancestors. Hostility to the tree is a sign of the inferiority of a society and of the low mind of any individual."
17. "In the environment, as in the creations of the human mind, dream images begin where reliable knowledge ends."
18. "Thinking and knowledge should always keep equal pace. Otherwise knowledge remains dead and barren."
19. "Bolder than exploring the unknown might be doubting the known."
20. "Man must want what is good and great. The rest depends on fate."

Can you think of any other sayings by Alexander von Humboldt that I should definitely make an inspirational collection about? Then always come up with your ideas in the comments!

Who was Alexander von Humboldt?

Alexander von Humboldt was a famous German naturalist, explorer and cosmopolitanwho lived from 1769 to 1859. He is considered a kind of "second Columbus" because he discovered America in a scientific way and explored its countries, animals and plants.

What all was named after Alexander von Humboldt?

As he explored countless countries, animals and plants, countless things have been named after him over the centuries. For example a Ocean current (Humboldt Current), a Mountain (Pico Humboldt), a Penguin species (Humboldt Penguin), a Legume (Humboldtia), a Mineral (Humboldt), Places (e.g. Humboldt in Nebraska) or Roads. (e.g. the Humboldtgasse in Vienna)

Which books did Alexander von Humboldt write?

Alexander von Humboldt wrote the following works, among others "Animal Life" (1799 to 1804), "Views of Nature" (1808) and his five-volume work "Cosmos" (1845 to 1862)the "draft of a physical description of the world".

The best wisdom from Alexander von Humboldt Use as a source of inspiration

Alexander von Humboldt knew what we would do to the earth if we did not come to our senses. Today, willy-nilly, we have to come to terms with the many Environmental problems of our time that we have created over many decades. I hope that Humboldt's wisdom and quotes will provide you with the decisive inspiration for this, become part of their solution themselves.

If you want to learn more about Alexander von Humboldt, I highly recommend the book "Alexander von Humboldt and the Invention of Nature" by Andrea Wulf* to the heart. In it you will learn above all how he lived, thought, discovered and how he developed his understanding of nature.

In conclusion, I would like to provide you with further articles that correspond to Humboldt's values and are likely to promote your personal development:

• Sustainable travel - how it works!
• Save rainforest - What everyone can do
• Stop species extinction - How you can help
• The most beautiful nature destinations in Germany

Do you have any questions, suggestions or other quotes that I should include in this article about the famous naturalist? Then I'm looking forward to your comments!

Stay Nature Conscious,

PS: Just look around a bit more in the Quotes blog around. There you will also find, for example, the best Quotes From Evolutionary Scientist Charles Darwin.