Luther Burbank
Luther Burbank (March 7, 1849 – April 11, 1926) was an American botanist, horticulturist and pioneer in agricultural science.
Personal life
Career
Worldview
Luther Burbank, accoladed in his lifetime as the "wizard of horticulture," was once asked to lecture upon his unorthodox methods in plant breeding. The audience, members of the American Pomological Society, was reported to have sat agape as he "told all":
In pursuing the study of any of the universal and everlasting laws of nature, whether relating to the life, growth, structure and movements of a giant planet, the tiniest plant or of the psychological movements of the human brain, some conditions are necessary before we can become one of nature's interpreters or the creator of any valuable work for the world. Preconceived notions, dogmas and all personal prejudice and bias must be laid aside. Listen patiently, quietly and reverently to the lessons, one by one, which Mother Nature has to teach, shedding light on that which was before a mystery, so that all who will, may see and know. She conveys her truths only to those who are passive and receptive. Accepting these truths as suggested, wherever they may lead, then we have the whole universe in harmony with us. At last man has found a solid foundation for science, having discovered that he is part of a universe which is eternally unstable in form, eternally immutable in substance.<ref>W. T. S. Thackara, [file://fs/image_archives/Research%20files%20-%20people/Burbank,%20Luther/ProQuest%20articles/_A%20Plant's-Eye%20View%20of%20Life_%20by%20W.%20T.%20S.%20Thackera.html "A Plant's-Eye View of Life"] Sunrise magazine, June-July 1974.
Theosophical Society involvement
Additional resources
Articles
- Luther Bank in Wikipedia.
- Luther Burbank: Theosophical Horticulturist by John Algeo.
- Luther Burbank Biography in Western Sonoma County Historical Society website.
- Luther Burbank in National Inventors Hall of Fame.
- Luther Burbank in Luther Burbank Home and Gardens.
- Home & Garden of Plant Wizard Luther Burbank on History Hunters YouTube channel. Posted September 6, 2020.
Video
- How Luther Burbank Created Hundreds of New Plants by The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation. Posted April 2, 2021.
- Paramahansa Yogananda and Luther Burbank in Santa Rosa California by Ananda Sacramento. Posted July 3, 2021. An account of the friendship of these two famous figures.
- Seed Potatoes and Luther Burbank's Russet Burbank potato variety on The Potato Museum Show YouTube channel. Posted March 14, 2024.
Websites
- Luther Burbank Home and Gardens website.
