Alfred Grandidier (20 December 1836 – 13 September 1921) was a French naturalist and explorer.
From a very wealthy family, at the age of 20, he and his brother, Ernest Grandidier (1833–1912), undertook a voyage around the world. At first they were led by the astronomer and physicist Pierre Jules César Janssen (1824–1907), but when Janssen fell sick and had to return to France after about six months, the brothers continued the journey.
They visited South America in 1858 and 1859 and in particular the Andes, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil. During this voyage they gathered a significant collection of specimens which were analyzed, in 1860, by Ernest.
The two brothers parted ways after this. Ernest Grandidier went to China and collected a vast number of specimens which are now in the Louvre and the Guimet museum. Alfred travelled to India, reaching it in 1863. He had intended to explore the high plateau of Tibet, but was prevented by a severe attack of fever.
Grandidier travelled to Zanzibar to recuperate, remaining some time and making important collections and publishing an account of his findings. He then visited the island of Réunion and in 1865 made his first visit to Madagascar. He became devoted to the study of the island, revisiting in 1866 and 1868. He finally returned permanently to France in 1870. During his explorations he crossed the island three times, travelling 3000 kilometers in the interior and 2500 along the coast. He made observations which resulted in the production of a map of the island used in future expeditions.
After returning to France he began to work on his great work, L'Histoire physique, naturelle et politique de Madagascar. This work was undertaken in cooperation with others such as Alphonse Milne-Edwards and Leon Vaillant. This work ran to 40 volumes, the final volumes published posthumously by his son Guillaume Grandidier. He described about 50 new species of reptiles and amphibians.Alfred Grandidier's work drew the attention of the French government to Madagascar, which it would annex at the end of 1890.
He was elected to the French Academy of Sciences in 1885 and was the president of the French Geographical Society from 1901 to 1905. The Royal Geographical Society awarded him their Founder's Gold Medal in 1906.
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Some of their strengths
Alfred Grandidier has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Energetic, Generous, Strong, Intense, Intuitive, Feeling, and Courteous.
Adventurous and Independent
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Alfred Grandidier is someone who is an adventurous, independent, and energetic person, who is insightful, imaginative, generous, and honest. A person who looks for jobs that tend to reflect their identity.
Passionate and Intense
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Alfred Grandidier well know them as someone who can be passionate, proud, and intense, like the sun or a blazing fire.
Courteous and Easygoing
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Alfred Grandidier as someone who is polite, modest, and diplomatic.
A person who tends to be socially popular, who loves intellectual or creative activities, who has a talent for communicating with and understanding the needs of others, and who seems to have a knack for getting recognized for their efforts.
Wise and Deep
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Alfred Grandidier is someone who tends to have an internal innate wisdom, and who people tend to see as an "old soul".
They are also someone who is curious, dynamic, and positive, and who enjoys inspiring and communicating with other people.
Optimistic and Quick-witted
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Alfred Grandidier tends to be someone who is optimistic and spontaneous, and who has a clear and analytical mind. Who can be witty, with a happy-go-lucky- nature that makes others cheerful, and who possesses an adventurous zest for life.
Some of Alfred Grandidier's challenges
While Alfred Grandidier has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Alfred Grandidier can be Impulsive, Careless, Stubborn, Idle, Complicated, Brusque, and Indecisive.
Impulsive and Careless
One of Alfred Grandidier's key challenges is that they are someone who can be impulsive and careless.
Indecisive and Materialistic
Alfred Grandidier is someone who can be indecisive, indulgent, and materialistic, who can have difficulty focusing on a single career or profession, have difficulty following orders or respecting authority, and who can suffer from "analysis paralysis".
Irritable and Callous
Finally, Alfred Grandidier also can be short-tempered, childish, insensitive, and careless at times.
