#021Andrea Wulf on the History of Science, How the Past Shapes the Present, and Bringing a Novelistic Style to Nonfiction

Andrea Wulf is an internationally bestselling historian and author whose work has reshaped how we understand the relationship between science, nature, and culture. Across her work, Wulf brings to life the intellectual networks and ideas that have shaped modern understandings of the natural world, from Enlightenment science to Romantic philosophy. Her latest book, ‘The Traveler,’ is a sweeping biography of George Forster, the visionary 18th-century naturalist and explorer, which chronicles his journey from a child prodigy sailing with Captain Cook to a radical voice advocating for universal human rights. Visit: penguinrandomhouse.com/books/768155/the-traveler-by-andrea-wulf/

This episode of Shaping Science is made possible with the generous support of Tata Sons. For more info, visit: nyas.org/ideas-insights/podcasts/

00:00 Intro 
02:14 The Life of Alexander van Humboldt  
08:36 The Politics of Nature vs Climate 
11:31 Stanger Than Fiction: Creating a Compelling Narrative through Primary Source Materials 
15:15 From the World to the Self 
19:14 The Most Fascinating Man Most People Have (Probably) Never Heard Of  
25:20 Developing a Theory of the 18th Century World  
32:32 A Stunning and Correct Theory of Polynesian Migration 
40:28 Almost Lost to History 
44:06 A Tumultuous and Tragic Life that Ended Too Soon