No. 116/2024

Mexican stamp featuring Alexander von Humboldt Humboldt always preferred gradual reform to change a system rather than the violent upheaval of a revolution. Moreover, he was not optimistic in general about the results of revolts, especially when they were initiated by the upper classes. In his opinion, the situation of the most underprivileged groups in society, that is, the Indigenous groups, the slaves and workers in the mines and agriculture, would hardly be improved if the Creole elites came to power. And he was right. So, what conclusions can be drawn about the way Humboldt is perceived in Latin America today? It is clear that regional differences in the assessment of Humboldt are largely determined by the circumstances of his historic journey to the respective areas. Another important factor is his conscious inclusion in certain national interests, in a process that had already started during his visit there and still continues today. It is an important challenge to understand these socio-political general conditions under which Humboldt conducted his scientific research. It is the only way we can properly assess his work and his importance. To this end, it is neither helpful to idealise and honour him as a hero of Latin American independence nor view him as an instrument of imperialism. Taken alone, each of these perspectives narrows our understanding of Humboldt and his skilful diplomatic and idealistic navigation of the challenges of his time. DR SANDRA REBOK is an historian of science at the University of California in San Diego, United States. She has been conducting research on Alexander von Humboldt for more than 20 years and has authored numerous publications on Humboldt, including the study quoted here “Percepción de Humboldt en Iberoamérica” that appeared in the 2019 ifa-Edition “Kultur und Außenpolitik”. Memorial to Humboldt and the freedom fighter, Simón Bolívar, in Mérida, Venezuela 21 HUMBOLDT KOSMOS 116/2024