In this column, the author shares his experiences as he nears the completion of his Master's degree in ethnology while also taking a course in geography. His goal is to bridge the gap between the humanities and the natural sciences, but he faces some challenges along the way. One key difficulty emerges from the realization that contemporary ethnology often finds itself engaged in identity debates with closely related disciplines like political science and sociology, which reflects a modern trend towards specialization within academia.

The author contrasts this with the historical figure of Alexander von Humboldt, who embarked on explorations into the unknown with an interdisciplinary approach that leveraged knowledge and methodologies from both natural and social sciences. Humboldt, a prominent 18th and 19th-century figure, exemplified the spirit of a universal scholar, seamlessly blending physics, astronomy, zoology, botany, and ethnography in his work. This historical perspective highlights the evolution of academic disciplines and the increasing specialization that has emerged since Humboldt's time.

In light of these reflections, the author questions whether the boundaries that currently exist between the humanities and natural sciences limit the potential for a more integrated understanding of how these fields can complement each other. This contemplation raises broader implications for how educational institutions structure their programs and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to scientific and cultural understanding in today's world.