Columbus gave Europe a New World; [Alexander von] Humboldt made it known in its physical, material, intellectual, and moral aspects.

[Alexander von] Humboldt showers us with true treasures.

The real discoverer of South America was [Alexander von] Humboldt, since his work was more useful for our people than the work of all conquerors.

Humboldt’s early biographer, F.A. Schwarzenberg, subtitled his life of Humboldt What May Be Accomplished in a Lifetime. He summarised the areas of his subject’s extraordinary curiosity as follows: ‘1) The knowledge of the Earth and...

If the people of Europe had known as much of astronomy and geology when the bible was introduced among them, as they do now, there never could have been one believer in the doctrine of...

The study of maps and the perusal of travel books aroused in me a secret fascination that was at times almost irresistible.

He [Alexander von Humboldt] was to science what Shakespeare was to the drama.

But when on shore, & wandering in the sublime forests, surrounded by views more gorgeous than even Claude ever imagined, I enjoy a delight which none but those who have experienced it can understand –...

I consider him [Alexander von Humboldt] the most important scientist whom I have met.

[Alexander von Humboldt was the] greatest scientific traveller who ever lived.

As a rule, theologians know nothing of this world, and far less of the next; but they have the power of stating the most absurd propositions with faces solemn as stupidity touched by fear.It is...

History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance of which their civil as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves...

During the first half of the present century we had an Alexander von Humboldt, who was able to scan the scientific knowledge of his time in its details, and to bring it within one vast...

Every scientist is a descendant of Humboldt. We are all his family.

This man [Alexander von Humboldt] is as knowledgeable as a whole academy.