Humboldt and Gauss 3D 2012. In early 18th century Germany, aristocrat Alexander von Humboldt was born to a life of luxury in his family castle, attending social events and hunting. But he dreamed of dangerous journeys. Karl Gauss, a poor man’s son, seemed fated to repeat his parents’ hard life, but his brilliance helped him rise. Alexander was destined to become an outstanding natural scientist, and Karl a great mathematician. Fate moved these obsessed men toward an epic meeting that would change their lives.