In this lecture, Robert G. Ingersoll pays tribute to the life and work of Alexander von Humboldt, a renowned naturalist and explorer. Ingersoll highlights Humboldt's scientific discoveries, his advocacy for social justice, and his impact on the intellectual world of his time.

Ingersoll praises Humboldt for his groundbreaking research in botany, geology, and meteorology. He emphasizes Humboldt's dedication to exploring and documenting the natural world, which led to a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of nature. Ingersoll also admires Humboldt's passion for social reform, noting his efforts to fight against slavery and colonialism.

Throughout the lecture, Ingersoll offers insightful commentary on Humboldt's legacy and influence on future generations of scientists and thinkers. He celebrates Humboldt as a visionary who promoted scientific knowledge and human progress.

Overall, "Ingersoll on HUMBOLDT" is a compelling tribute to a remarkable figure in the history of science and exploration. Ingersoll's admiration for Humboldt shines through in his eloquent and thoughtful analysis of Humboldt's life and work. This lecture serves as a fitting homage to a man whose contributions continue to resonate in the modern world.

Book Description:
Col. Ingersoll begins his lectures on famous people as follows: "It is hard to overstate the debt we owe to the men and women of genius. Take from our world what they have given, and all the niches would be empty, all the walls naked—meaning and connection would fall from words of poetry and fiction, music would go back to common air, and all the forms of subtle and enchanting Art would lose proportion and become the unmeaning waste and shattered spoil of thoughtless Chance." One of the most famous orators of his day, a contemporary and personal friend of Mark Twain and General Grant, Ingersoll's lectures in this series include: SHAKESPEARE, ROBERT BURNS, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, VOLTAIRE, WALT WHITMAN, HUMBOLDT and THOMAS PAINE; followed by inspiring speeches on other personalities: THE GREAT INFIDELS; WHICH WAY? ; and ABOUT THE HOLY BIBLE. Each lecture in Volume 3, plus 2 lectures from Volume 1 , will be presented on as a separate audiobook in the series called Ingersoll Lectures, Famous People.