He died a long time ago but Alexander von Humboldts work an d life changed the way we viewed the world. We still use much of his learnings in 2019.
Thought this was a great story on a person most of us may not have heard about.
Humboldt 2.0: Why a scientist born 250 years ago is more relevant than ever
Alexander von Humboldt measured everything in sight. Though many of his discoveries are hard to categorize or have been superseded, his holistic view of nature led the way to how we see and understand the world today.
The name Humboldt stands for excellence and over the years has been used for universities, schools and ships. It has also been used to sell everything from sewing machines to cigars. Yet, sadly for Alexander von Humboldt's scientific reputation, he didn't manage to come up with any simple ideas that shook the world. He struggled to find answers and constantly revisited problems. After
his death in 1859, his fame dimmed and during World War I he nearly disappeared from view completely when all things German were kicked to the curb in much of the Western world.
But now, 250 years after his birth, Humboldt is suddenly back in fashion. His image is once again being used to sell everything from fountain pens to tote bags. The literature on him is starting to pile up and soon
Berlin's newest museum housed in the rebuilt city palace will also carry his name: Humboldt Forum.
The Prussian scientist, writer, fearless adventurer and polymath is once more at the center of scientific thinking. Oddly enough, his
interdisciplinary approach to science that has put him back in the spotlight is exactly what led to his fall from grace well over 100 years ago.
https://www.dw.com/en/humboldt-20-w...ars-ago-is-more-relevant-than-ever/a-47354061