Every good thing begins as something else, and what was intended for the common people became scientific lectures for educated people. "The man who was most benefited by these lectures was myself," said Humboldt.
Men grow by doing things. Lectures are for the lecturer.
Humboldt found out more things in giving these lectures than he knew before—he discovered himself. And long before they were completed he knew that his best work was embodied right here—in doing for others he had done for himself.
In attempting to reveal the Universe or "Cosmos," he revealed most of his own comprehensive intelligence. That many of his conclusions have since been abandoned by the scientific world does not prove such ideas valueless—they helped and are helping men to find the truth.
These sixty-one "popular" and free lectures make up that stupendous work now known to us as "Humboldt's Cosmos."
ays Robert Ingersoll in his tribute to Alexander von Humboldt:
"His life was pure, his aims were lofty, his learning varied and profound, and his achievements vast.
"We honor him because he has ennobled our race, because he has contributed as much as any man, living or dead, to the real prosperity of the world. We honor him because he has honored us—because he has labored for others—because he was the most learned man of the most learned nation of his time—because he left a legacy of glory to every human being. For these reasons he is honored throughout the world.
"Millions are doing homage to his genius at this moment, and millions are pronouncing his name with reverence and recounting what he accomplished.