Our imagination is struck only by what is great; but the lover of… — Alexander von Humboldt · Smartyfair

Our imagination is struck only by what is great; but the lover of natural philosophy should reflect equally on little things.

Alexander von Humboldt1769–1859 · naturalist · 1700s-1800s Prussia & Latin AmericaAlexander von Humboldt was a Prussian naturalist and explorer who traveled through Latin America measuring mountains, mapping rivers, and studying plants, animals, and volcanoes — including a record-setting climb of Ecuador's Chimborazo higher than anyone had climbed before.4 quotes

Source foundNatureCuriosity1700s

In plain words

Big things wow everybody. Scientists look hard at tiny things too.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 90% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Equinoctial Regions of America (1814-1829), trans. Thomasina Ross — his own travel narrative, published during his life.
Work: Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America, trans. Thomasina Ross
Occasion: 1814–1829
Sources checked: en.wikiquote.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 20 August 2026Wikiquote sourced section, citing Equinoctial Regions of America

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A book on nature should produce an impression like nature itself.

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Alexander von Humboldt

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