Measuring the world

My passion for reading literature coupled with our trip to Humboldt University in Berlin later this summer, led me to read some books about the scientist Alexander von Humboldt. One of these books was named "Measuring the World" written by a famous German writer named Daniel Kehlmann.


This book is talks about the scientist Humboldt and his adventures around the world. Humboldt decides to measure the world because he is a genius, and his goal of measuring the world is really his attempt at greatness since he wants to be remembered for his discoveries. Humboldt was born into a wealthy family, and his education and upbringing contributed greatly to his interest in exploring the world. When he gets the opportunity, he quits his job and sets off to buy supplies and begin his journey. Along the way, his adventures and his seemingly disregard for his own well-being reveal his personality.


Kehlmann wrote:
It was almost evening when they reached the mouth of the legendary channel. Swarms of biting flies immediately descended on them. But as the heat dissipated, so did the haze; the sky cleared, and Humboldt could measure the degree of longitude. He worked all night, measuring the angle of the moon as it tracked across the Southern Cross. Then, by way of confirmation, fixing the ghostly spots of Jupiter's moons in his telescope. Nothing could be relied on, he said to the dog, who was observing him intently. Not the tables, not the instruments, not even the sky. One had to be so precise as to be disorder.


This passage highlights Humboldt's passion for his goal. Humboldt is very obsessed with his work and is concerned about every wasted minute because he is out there measuring and documenting everything he sees.


Hope my classmates will think this book and information are useful~~