Alfred Russel Wallace

Date of Birth: January 8, 1823

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: November 7, 1913

Biography

Alfred Russel Wallace was a British naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, and biologist. He is best known for independently conceiving the theory of evolution through natural selection; his paper on the subject was jointly published with some of Charles Darwin’s writings in 1858. This prompted Darwin to publish “On the Origin of Species.” Wallace’s extensive fieldwork in the Amazon River basin and the Malay Archipelago made him one of the 19th century’s leading biogeographers. His contributions to the field of evolutionary biology and biogeography were pioneering, and he is often referred to as the “father of biogeography.” Wallace was also a social activist and wrote extensively on social and political issues, including land nationalization and anti-vaccination. His wide-ranging scientific contributions and his advocacy for social justice have left a lasting legacy in multiple fields.

5 Interesting Facts about Alfred Russel Wallace

1. Alfred Russel Wallace independently formulated the theory of evolution by natural selection at the same time as Charles Darwin.

2. He spent eight years exploring the Malay Archipelago, collecting over 125,000 specimens, including more than a thousand species new to science.

3. Wallace is considered the “father of biogeography” for his work in identifying biogeographical regions and the Wallace Line, which separates the fauna of Asia and Australia.

4. He was a prolific writer and social activist, advocating for land nationalization, socialism, and anti-vaccination.

5. Wallace received the Order of Merit in 1908 for his contributions to science.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alfred Russel Wallace

1. “In an age when the majority of people are too busy to think, and when the minority are too much occupied in laying down the law, it is refreshing to find a thinker who is content to search for the truth.”

2. “To the mass of mankind religion of some kind is a necessity.”

3. “The more we progress, the more we realize the importance of adhering to nature.”

4. “Truth is born into this world only with pangs and tribulations, and every fresh truth is received unwillingly.”

5. “Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Alfred Russel Wallace did not achieve significant financial wealth. His highest net worth is not well-documented, but he lived modestly and often struggled financially.