The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt's New World

Anthropocentrism refers to a human-centered viewpoint of the world, whereby human beings are considered the most significant entities in the universe. Wulf describes Humboldt’s challenge to this perspective by emphasizing the intrinsic value of nature and the interconnectedness of all life forms, thus advocating for a more ecocentric approach.

Biogeography is “the study of the patterns of geographic distribution of organisms and the factors that determine those patterns” (Leduc, Rick. Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Academic Press, 2009, p. 112). In Wulf’s narrative, Humboldt is depicted as one of the pioneers in this field, recognizing that climate and geography influence the distribution of species. This concept is a cornerstone in Humboldt’s interdisciplinary approach to understanding nature.

Colonialism is “the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically” (Shah, Shreya. “What Is Settler Colonialism?” The Indigenous Foundation). Humboldt’s experiences in South America led him to criticize the destructive environmental and social impacts of colonialism, which Wulf details to underscore his progressive views on human rights and environmental exploitation.